eFolder, the cloud storage provider, is set to launch an MSP migration program that helps to shift partners from Zenith Infotech BDR (backup and disaster recovery) to eFolder’s cloud services. The so-called eFolder BDR Rescue Program, which seeks to capitalize on Zenith Infotech’s recent bond default, will apparently launch this week. Here’s what MSPmentor expects MSPs to hear.
First, some background. Zenith Infotech defaulted on a bond payment in September 2011. Zenith Infotech CEO Akash Saraf has assured partners that the company is financially solvent, strong and stable. Zenith Infotech and its bondholders apparently are scheduled for a court hearing on Oct. 26 in India, but cases such as this can sometimes take months or years to resolve.
eFolder’s Alternative
Meanwhile, some MSPs are concerned about the Zenith Infotech debt default. In response, eFolder is seeking to offer a migration program that allows MSPs to leap from Zenith Infotech’s BDR cloud to eFolder’s cloud, according to Ted Hulsy, VP of marketing at eFolder.
The so-called eFolder BDR Rescue Program leverages the following components and capabilities:
- eFolder has developed a software agent that installs on Zenith Infotech’s existing on-premise appliances. The agent allows MSPs to continue leveraging those Zenith Infotech on-premise appliances while shifting the back-end service to eFolder’s Storage Cloud. The solution costs MSPs $0.15 per GB per month for as long as the legacy Zenith Infotech appliances are backing up to the eFolder Storage Cloud.
- eFolder supports both AppAssure and StorageCraft on the back-end. That back-end StorageCraft support sounds particularly important, because I believe it offers a common bond with Zenith Infotech’s back-end technology. In theory, that means MSPs can more easily jump from Zenith Infotech’s cloud to eFolder’s cloud. (Side note: I believe Doyenz also offers StorageCraft support, which may partly explain why Doyenz has recruited a few dozen Zenith Infotech partners over to the Doyenz platform. But note: I need to double-check that theory.)
- Just to make things extra interesting, the BDR Rescue Program is also available to Datto partners that have Datto Viridian appliances installed in the field, according to eFolder. Interested channel partners must sign up as an eFolder partner at the Gold level or above to qualify for the program, eFolder adds.
Rivals Move In
eFolder certainly isn’t the only company targeting Zenith Infotech’s installed base. Doyenz, a cloud-based disaster recovery firm, has marketed itself to Zenith Infotech’s installed base for several months. And NetEnrich, a NOC (network operations center) specialist, has been promoting its services to Zenith RMM partners. Zenith RMM spun off from Zenith Infotech in September 2011.
Amid the competitive posturing and financial questions, Zenith Infotech is preparing a range of upgrades to its services, and CEO Saraf a few days ago reiterated that the bond default would not sink the company.
Reality Check
The eFolder BDR Rescue Program is expected to debut sometime this week. But I’d encourage readers to double check the facts and the figure I’ve shared above, since the news is still emerging and some of my assumptions about eFolder’s strategy could be off the mark.
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Posted In: Cloud Computing | Help Desk and NOC Services | Partner Program | Software as a Service and Hardware as a Service
Tags: AppAssure | Backup and Disaster Recovery | BDR Rescue Program | cloud storage | efolder | eFolder Storage Cloud | StorageCraft | Ted Hulsy | Zenith Infotech
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Take a look at our 
Full disclosure: I’m the CEO of eFolder, and yes, I am biased in favor of eFolder.
The BDR Rescue Program has officially been launched. More details at http://www.efolder.net/rescue
We understand that partners who have a desire to switch are in a very tough spot, because in many cases partners have essentially prepaid for the offsite storage (for the initial contract term) as part of their Zenith BDR appliance purchase.
Discussions of these challenges with our own partners sparked the ideas that led to the launch of this official program. We designed the program to be the most economical exit option from Zenith BDRs by minimizing labor costs, offering very special rates on storage that never expire, and by not requiring forklift upgrades of in-the-field appliances, while at the same time providing a turn-key BDR solution for new customers.
We’re eager for feedback. We’re standing by ready to be a resource for partners considering the switch and can help them perform a detailed situation analysis.
–Kevin
Joe:
Can confirm for you that Doyenz integrates with StorageCraft and accepts their images. We use it this way at Evolve.
Dave Sobel
In response to your side note, as part as the Doyenz service we work with the StorageCraft ShadowProtect software as the local backup software for physical machines. Our support team is well-equipped to continue to provide exceptional support to that segment of our partner base. The ease of migrating the offsite images to Doyenz from Zenith is one of several key reasons we’re seeing Zenith partners flock to us, especially as these partners are looking for much more than storing images in the cloud.
Hi Folks: Thanks for those additional insights. We’ll continue to cover both sides of the story — Zenith Infotech’s business strategy and rivals’ competitive moves. Tricky balancing act. Keep the feedback (and constructive criticism of our our efforts) coming.
-jp
I know that several of our partners have chosen to use Doyenz because of their unique cloud virtualization capabilities, including proactive uses of cloud virtualization such as patch testing. Like eFolder, Doyenz also has tight integration with ShadowProtect (e.g., they verify the integrity of the chain), and thus they are a great exit option as well. I can recommend them.
eFolder is committed to having an open storage platform and open BDR platform, and we allow our partners to use the cloud provider of their choice with our BDR hardware units whether that be eFolder or something else, including Doyenz. Our al-la-carte pricing model makes this possible, and allows our partners to avoid vendor lockin.
–Kevin