MSPmentor

Secure Designs Inc, which specializes in managed security products and services, is feeling a little patriotic. The company is launching Red, White and Blue Tiered Network Managed Security Services Solutions. Even though it’s a mouthful, it’s actually a simple way to help MSPs get what they need. Read on for the solution details..

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Not long after Microsoft reports some very strong quarterly earnings, the always-controversial CEO Steve Ballmer has announced the sell-off of some $1.3 billion worth of shares, with more to come by year’s end. Ballmer says it’s just his way of diversifying his investment portfolio, not a disturbing lack of faith in his company. But his move has still got the attention of industry-watchers, especially as Microsoft strives to transition to the cloud.

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When PlumChoice announced it had acquired Everon Technology Services, a well-known MSP, I had plenty of questions. So I went looking for answers — and I spoke directly with Everon President Michael Cooch. In this FastChat video, Cooch describes why Everon sold to PlumChoice, potential long-term synergies, and exit strategy tips for MSPs that looking for potential buyers. Here’s the video.

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The fourth-annual MSPmentor 100 survey is now live. The survey is global, and helps MSPmentor to identify the world’s top manged services providers. The survey runs through December 17, 2010, and we’ll announce the fourth-annual MSPmentor 100 list in early 2011. But that’s not all… Here’s how to participate in the survey plus some background on how we compile the results. And most importantly: We explain how MSPs potentially benefit from participating in the survey.

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Call it the latest shot in the emerging MSP software wars. Autotask — in an apparent bid to counter ConnectWise, LabTech Software and maybe even Kaseya — has reached out to several RMM (remote monitoring and management) software companies with a free Autotask Go offer. Level Platforms and PacketTrap embraced the offer, but not all RMM players are joining the Autotask Go freemium effort. Here’s the update … plus the potential implications for VARs and MSPs.

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As big cloud computing vendors attempt to sell direct into the SMB market, managed services providers (MSPs) can maintain SMB account control by focusing in two core areas: Vendor management and help desk services, according to ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini. In an MSPmentor FastChat Video, Bellini describes his Modern Office vision, and the implications for MSPs. Plus, Jeannine Edwards, director of community, describes how ConnectWise will further engage vendor and user partners. Here’s the update.

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Ingram Micro continues to accelerate its cloud strategy, today launching Ingram Micro Cloud and a related marketplace for VARs and MSPs that are seeking a range of SaaS and cloud solutions. In an MSPmentor FastChat Video, Ingram Micro VP Renee Bergeron says the distributor’s cloud strategy is a natural extension of Ingram’s services strategy for partners. Here’s the update plus some perspective from MSPmentor.

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A new report by Forrester Research projects that over the next five years, between 12 percent to 15 percent of all companies that operate within the IT channel will wash out of the market completely. How can you avoid that fate? Easy: get into cloud services now, and build a solid offering. Here’s a high-level overview.

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At the ConnectWise IT Nation conference in Orlando, CEO Arnie Bellini outlined a vision to help MSPs, VARs and IT service providers succeed as cloud computing hype grows. Bellini’s key points focused on defending your business from major SaaS and cloud companies that plan to sell direct to SMBs. Plus, Bellini described how solutions providers can build closer SMB customer relationships that generate new revenue opportunities. Here are 15 highlights from the keynote — including key thoughts on coopetition (cooperating and competing) in the MSP software market.

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The first day of ConnectWise IT Nation wrapped up a few minutes ago. Roughly 1,100 managed services providers are here in Orlando, Fla., for the conference (formerly called ConnectWise Partner Summit). So what’s the buzz from Day One and what can attendees expect from Day Two (Nov. 5)? Here are 14 key observations and predictions.

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Cloud management software vendor Abiquo has gained a foothold in a $4 billion IT services company. Specifically, Abiquo has scored a customer win at BlueFire, a hosting and cloud services company based in Australia. BlueFire is part of the Dimension Data Group. Abiquo chief executive officer Pete Malcolm said his company’s software could ultimately rollout across the whole of Dimension Data, which operates in 49 countries.

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Hosted Solutions, a data center operator that generates roughly $51.7 million in annual revenues, has been acquired for roughly $310 million in cash. Translation: Windstream Corp., the buyer, is paying roughly six times revenues to acquire Hosted Solutions, which is based in Raleigh, N.C. Here are the details.

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Something new? Check out this video…

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Infrastructure-as-a-service provider 6fusion now integrates with ConnectWise PSA, potentially helping service providers centralize all customer information. The move is the first of many expected to be announced at this week’s ConnectWise IT Nation conference in Orlando, Fla. Here are the details.

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Kaseya, which specializes in IT systems management software, has acquired ObjAcct Inc., a developer of XML-based accounting software. The deal, expected to be announced November 4, could arm MSPs and corporate IT managers with an emerging type of financial management software. Here’s the scoop.

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You already know that managed services providers (MSPs) are joining peer groups like HTG. But now, some IT vendors are taking a similar path to potential success. One prime example: Roughly a dozen IT vendors — ranging from ConnectWise to Xerox — are seated in a peer group meeting right now at the HTG All conference in Orlando, Fla. What value do peer groups have to vendors? Here are some thoughts.

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How do you convince channel partners to embrace cloud computing more rapidly? Microsoft thinks it has found the answer within HTG Peer Groups, which represents scores of VARs and MSPs. HTG is hosting a major conference in Orlando, Fla, this week. Microsoft is on hand promoting the new Microsoft Partner Network. Plus, the software giant is launching a special contest to help drive MSPs toward Microsoft BPOS (Business Productivity Online Suite), which includes Exchange Online and SharePoint Online. Here are the details.

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Another day, another managed services acquisition. This one involves PlumChoice acquiring Everon Technology Services, a well-known MSP that has landed multiple times on the MSPmentor 100 list. Here are some quick details about PlumChoice’s buyout of Everon. Plus a reality check on MSP M&A activity, which seems to be accelerating.

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How can VARs and MSPs effectively brand and market their first SaaS solutions? Find the answers by joining us today (Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2:00 p.m. eastern) for The VAR Guy Live webcast. The topic: How to Market and Brand Your First SaaS Services. The marketing pros from Robin Robins’ Technology Marketing Toolkit will join the discussion. During the event we’ll cover dozens of live questions from attendees. Thanks to those who join us. We look forward to your questions and a lively discussion.

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Scores of managed services providers are attending this week’s HTG All Meeting in Orlando, Fla. HTG President Scott Scrogin and Founder Arlin Sorensen earlier today provided some key business, financial and personal updates to MSPs at the conference. Here are five key highlights from this morning’s keynote.

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Another day, another Google Apps update. This time, the cloud suite has added the ability to see how and when users are accessing specific Google services. It could be a valuable tool for showing how well a Google Apps deployment is working for an enterprise. Here’s some insight.

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Sponsored Video: Trend Micro has launched Worry-Free Business Security 7, an upgrade to the company’s small business security platform. The upgrade supports Data Loss Prevention (DLP) capabilities and offers cross-platform support for Mac and Windows. MSPs can leverage Worry-Free Remote Manager to maintain the security platform without truck rolls. TJ Alldridge (pictured), an SMB marketing expert at Trend Micro, provides additional insight in this MSPmentor FastChat Video.

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Another data point in security’s migration the cloud comes from NaviSite Inc. , which has tapped Mimecast’s SaaS product for e-mail risk mitigation and compliance.

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