MSPmentor

Next week is packed with multiple partner conferences, including an Avnet gathering in Las Vegas, the Cloud Channel Summit in Silicon Valley, and IT Nation in Orlando. But before our editorial team hits the road, here are seven managed services blogs MSPmentor didn’t have a chance to write for the week ending Nov. 4, 2011.

7. Big Numbers: Over the past 12 months, more than 600 MSPs have embraced OpenDNS, a cloud-based security service that extends across all types of devices — including iPads and iPhones. How does it work? I have no idea. But I’m checking.

6. Idea Man: Former Do IT Smarter CEO Lane Smith has launched MSP Pioneer, a consulting firm that helps MSPs navigate managed services and cloud services opportunities.

5. Worth Watching: Level Cloud is a one-year-old startup that spun out of an MSP. The company is seeking to help MSPs jump into the cloud. The Level Cloud solution leverages OS33 — a platform that supports all types of SaaS applications. We keep hearing about OS33 being the hidden solution running behind the curtains for a range of MSPs. We expect to hear more at IT Nation.

6. Let’s Go Global: Ingram Micro and N-able have extended their partnership from North America into Europe. Also, N-able is hosting a Ingram Micro Cloud, and rival cloud aggregation platforms launched by Tech Data and Synnex. We’re expecting plenty of chatter about those efforts before year’s end.

5. Oh My: Sometimes I tune out venture capitalists. But when Fred Wilson blogs, I tend to listen. Wilson is one of New York’s top venture capitalists. And he seems to be crowing about Work Market, an emerging online marketplace launched by former OnForce CEO Jeffry Leventhal. Interesting…

4. Critical Mass: Sungard Availability Services is the latest MSP to earn the Cisco Master Managed Services Channel Partner designation. We’re aware of at least one top New York MSP — serving hedge fund customers — that bet its cloud business on Sungard. But I’m not sure if we can share the company’s name, since the discussion we had occurred behind closed doors.

3. New Gig: Managed services veteran Amy Luby has surfaced at Bradford Networks, which specializes in network access control (NAC) security for MSPs. Luby is VP and GM of SaaS at Bradford Networks. Not by coincidence, Bradford Networks just launched a SaaS-based NAC service for MSPs.

2. Worth Listening: Zenith Infotech Senior VP Maurice Saluan is set to speak Thursday, Nov. 10, at IT Nation. Saluan will describe private cloud strategies for MSPs. I don’t expect him to offer any new information about the Zenith Infotech debt default. But… Saluan is a sharp guy and I suspect he’ll come armed with examples of how Zenith Infotech continues to engage with partners and customers. Separately, Zenith Infotech’s technical training program is making stops in North America (Los Angeles, Dallas, Orlando) before moving onto Asia and the Middle East.

1. That’s All: That’s all for now. Thanks for reading MSPmentor and sharing your feedback so regularly. We value the chatter and thre constructive criticism.

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