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MSPmentor 250 (2009 Edition): Part I
Posted September 8th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
We’re rolling out the MSPmentor 250 (2009 Edition) this week. The list and report identify the top managed services experts, entrepreneurs and executives in the managed services market. Visit our MSPmentor 250 center for a look at Part I of the MSPmentor 250 (2009 Edition). In this year’s edition, we’ve added links to each person’s Twitter feed and blog, where applicable. I’ll share more thoughts on the MSPmentor 250 soon.
Webcast: Recurring Profits From Small Business IT Security
Posted September 8th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Our next MSPmentor Live webcast is this Thursday, Sept. 10. The discussion — including your questions answered by our expert panel — will focus on small business IT security trends, sales strategies and recurring revenue models. Here’s a look at our confirmed speakers and agenda…
MSP Mergers and Acquisitions: Need An Advisor?
Posted September 8th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
A managed service provider in Southern Texas apparently has retained Sarlex Partners to help sell the company. Sarlex positions itself as a strategic consulting firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. I wonder: Will more and more MSPs turn to advisors and deal brokers to accelerate their M&A activity?
Seven Managed Services Blogs I Didn’t Have Time to Write: Sept. 4
Posted September 4th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
I just returned home from Red Hat Summit. Great event, but it consumed a lot of my week. Once again my inbox is filled with tips, rumors and news. Here are seven quick managed services headlines I didn’t have a chance to write during the week ending August 28.
Red Hat: Long-Term Managed Services Strategy?
Posted September 3rd, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
At Red Hat Summit in Chicago, most discussions involve open cloud computing strategies. But if you listen closely enough you can begin to hear the start of a managed services strategy from Red Hat. Here’s the scoop.
MSP Mergers and Acquisitions: Slowing Market?
Posted September 3rd, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
In the software market, vendors have spent 2009 buying up one another at somewhat deflated valuations. But in the managed services market, I sense that the pace of MSP mergers and acquisitions deals has slowed a bit in 2009 compared to 2008. My key thought: Are there too many sellers and too few buyers?
Help Wanted: Managed Services Career Opportunities
Posted September 3rd, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Several new managed services career opportunities — including multiple positions at Zenith Infotech — have surfaced on MSPmentor’s free job board. If you’re looking to make a hire — or looking for a new career — check out the board. It’s designed to promote careers in managed services, software as a service (SaaS) and channel-oriented positions.
SMBs Already Leveraging Cloud Services
Posted September 3rd, 2009 by John Moore
Most small to mid-sized businesses are using cloud computing services to handle routine IT chores, according to a survey conducted by Spiceworks Inc. Here are some quick datapoints from the survey.
Do Start-Up MSPs Prefer SaaS and Hosted Options?
Posted September 2nd, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Back on Aug. 19, we asked MSPmentor readers the following question: If you were launching a managed services provider (MSP) from scratch, what type of RMM (remote monitoring and management) and PSA (professional services automation) tools would you embrace? Although it wasn’t a scientific survey, 345 readers participated and most said they’d leverage pure SaaS (software as a service) options rather than on-premise options. Here’s a quick look at results.
Webcast: HTG Joins the Managed Security Discussion
Posted September 2nd, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
We’ve finalized our speaker lineup for our Sept. 10 MSPmentor Live webcast. A key member from HTG Peer Groups is joining the conversation — which focuses on small business IT security strategies. We’ll take a look at recurring revenue models, ways to target new markets (including Health Care), and a key remote security management tool that won’t cost you a cent. Here’s a look at our confirmed speakers and agenda…
Podcast: Ingram Micro Seismic and Nimsoft – A Closer Look
Posted September 2nd, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
The Ingram Micro Seismic-Nimsoft relationship has been rumored for months. Now that it’s actually official, I wanted to take a closer look at the deal and the implications for VARs and managed services providers (MSPs). Seeking answers and perspectives, I spoke with Jason Beal (director of sales, North America) from Ingram Micro’s Services Division and Nimsoft President and CEO Gary Read.
Lenovo Plugging Into Managed Services Platforms
Posted September 1st, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Lenovo is quietly working to integrate its mobile, desktop and server hardware with a range of RMM (remote monitoring and management) and PSA (professional services automation) platforms for managed service providers. Frankly, I’m surprised we’re not hearing similar types of statements from more PC vendors. Here are some observations.
Cisco to MSPs: Think Bigger
Posted September 1st, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
At first glance, Cisco Systems’ revamped Managed Services Partner Program allows small VARs to leverage NOCs (network operation centers) from larger Cisco partners. But Cisco has another key message for larger MSPs that want to move into new markets.
Will Legal Ruling Threaten MSPs, Web Hosts?
Posted September 1st, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
I’m no legal expert, but the blogosphere is buzzing about a $32.4 million legal ruling against Akanoc Solutions — a Web hosting company. Here’s a bit about the ruling from The New York Times plus some analysis from TechDirt. If you’re doing any type of hosting here’s the central question you need to consider: If your customers have fraudulent business practices hosted on your systems is your company potentially responsible for damages?
Managed Services CEO Pleads Guilty to Fraud
Posted September 1st, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
The CEO of a managed service provider has pleaded guilty to stealing his employees’ identities to secure loans for his failing computer firm, according to Newsday.
