MSPmentor

SpringSource, a VMware division that specializes in web and customer application monitoring, continues to expand its technology portfolio. Specifically, SpringSource is set to buy GemStone Systems, a data management technology company. Eventually, GemStone’s software will integrate with SpringSource’s offerings. Here are some details.

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Some chatter from the managed messaging and collaboration market: Azaleos is updating their managed Microsoft SharePoint services next week to include the 2010 version of the popular collaboration platform — and they’re launching alongside a new managed file transfer (MFT) service that reduces bandwidth and storage burdens on large Microsoft Exchange attachments. Here’s the scoop.

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Forgive the terrible headline. I’m waiting for a flight and dragging a bit today. But I did stumble across a rather interesting tip that could help managed services providers (MSPs) to work more closely with dentist offices. The tip comes from Intronis CEO Sam Gutmann, and it involves an emerging group called the Dental Integrators Association. Here are the details.

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R1Soft apparently has carved out a niche among service providers seeking a bit more than what traditional backup technology provides. The division of BBS Technologies Inc. offers continuous data protection (CDP) software for Linux and Windows servers. Here’s some background.

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IBM’s acquisition of Cast Iron Systems is already paying a dividend, as Big Blue announces a partnership with NetSuite to integrate their respective cloud solutions. The goal: ERP, delivered as a service, and fully integrated with on-premise systems.

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Here’s something a little different: Linxter (the cloud messaging platform) has announced  Cloud Connector for SMTP, which enables developers to actually route email along distributed endpoints when common port 25 isn’t available, or closed off because of security. Sound intriguing? In theory, Linxter’s approach could be useful for  MSPs. Here’s why.

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For several months, MSPmentor has been watching for the official launch of ChannelCloud — a platform allegedly built “by the channel for the channel.” It looks like ChannelCloud will finally provide some deeper information on May 14. Here are some preliminary details.

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Much like operating systems that have broad application support, MSP software platforms (RMM and PSA tools) potentially gain value as more applications plug into them. But are all integrations created equally? Certainly not. Here’s why you have to read the fine print in the managed services software market.

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Just last week Joe Panettieri took on the question people are asking all the time, “How many VARs will make it by transforming themselves into successful MSPs?” Kudos to Joe for giving a forum to this very tough topic. For the record, Joe thinks about 10% will successfully leap the chasm. Yikes! That’s a pretty small number. But I happen to agree with Joe. There will be more failures than successes out there because the move from VAR to MSP is transformational not evolutionary. To succeed you must break down your traditional VAR business models and replace then with something that may initially make your install base very uncomfortable. Break/Fix is one of those existing business models that can really stop successful transformation from VAR to mature MSP. Here’s why.

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Join MSPmentor today (Wednesday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m. eastern) for our MSPmentor Live webcast: SaaS vs. On Premises MSP Software. Today’s webcast will be a 40-minute fireside chat exploring the key business drivers for selecting on-premises or SaaS (software as a services) MSP platforms. Here’s some background and guest speaker information.

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When it comes to the managed services market, Synnex President and CEO Kevin Murai (pictured) doesn’t live in an ivory tower. During an interview yesterday in New York, Murai offered specific details about how Synnex — a specialty distributor — plans to engage more and more managed services providers (MSPS). As expected, the effort includes a close working relationship with itControl Solutions, a software company in Toronto. Here are some details.

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On the one hand, Avnet Technology Solutions is launching CloudReady, which strives to prepare VARs and managed services providers for cloud-centric business opportunities. But on the other hand, distribution executives like Avnet CEO Roy Vallee and Tech Data CEO Robert Dutkowsky caution channel partners not to get too caught up in cloud hype. Here are cloud insights from both executives, each of whom attended the Global Technology Distribution Council gathering in New York yesterday.

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PEER 1 Hosting, the global web hosting company that competes in the channel with companies like The Planet and Rackspace, has announced the next phase of its attempt to reach out to MSPs: a portal designed to let their channel partners access sales and marketing collateral, new information and tools, and, most notably, deal registration. Here’s the scoop.

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Yesterday, we gave our take on a City of Los Angeles memo that indicated a possible delay in their adoption of Google Apps. Since then, Google itself reached out to me to point out a blog entry from the migration project itself addressing the concerns raised. The message? Keep calm and carry on. Here’s the deal.

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Eucalyptus isn’t the only open source cloud platform in town anymore: Cloud.com, formerly VMops, has come out of an 18 month-long hibernation to launch CloudStack, their infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) solution designed to let MSPs integrate their cloud offerings with existing initiatives. Here’s the scoop.

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IBM has expanded its SaaS portfolio even further with the acquisition of cloud integration service provider Cast Iron Systems. IBM’s goal is to make it easier for customers to move from legacy systems to a hybrid cloud model. Here are some perspectives.

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At first glance, the latest research about India’s managed services market growth is hardly surprising. Springboard Research claims spending on IT managed services in India will top US$3.8 billion in 2013, up from US$1.6 billion in 2009. That’s an impressive 22.9 percent compound annual growth rate. But the report’s really interesting twist involves the banking vertical.

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Join MSPmentor this Wednesday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m. eastern for our next MSPmentor Live webcast: SaaS vs. On Premises MSP Software. The webcast will be a 40-minute fireside chat — even more interactive — exploring the key business drivers for selecting on-premises or SaaS (software as a services) MSP platforms. Here’s some more background, including updated guest speaker information.

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Intel Capital, the chip giant’s global investment organization, is pumping money into the managed services market. Specifically,  Intel Capital has invested in Virtustream, an infrastructure services firm that specializes in cloud strategy, integration, virtualization and managed services. Here are some quick details.

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The Launch Pad, a Florida-based MSP catering to SMBs, has unveiled fixed-fee managed services targeted at nonprofit organizations. The RevITUP Business Care Nonprofit Managed IT Services Series, as The Launch Pad calls it, combines remote monitoring and management, help desk and ticketing functions, backup and disaster recovery, and Internet security. Here’s a look at the effort.

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A City of Los Angeles memo suggests the municipality’s much-hyped Google Apps migration might not be a Hollywood love story. Specifically,  users in the pilot program are reporting frustrations with the search giant’s SaaS suite, leading to talk of a a delay in the deployment timetable. Critics say it’s proof that the cloud isn’t ready for primetime. I say it’s proof that nothing generates FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) like the cloud. Here’s why.

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