MSPmentor

Got a technical or business question about managed services? MSPmentor has developed a fast way to help you out. Several dozen MSPmentor readers have used our Ask a Mentor service to find answers to their most pressing managed services questions.

We launched the Ask a Mentor service when the redesigned MSPmentor.net debuted January 2. Early on, we hit a few bumps as a few readers waited a bit too long for help from our mentors. But now we seem to be hitting our stride. Read More >

Some pundits say managed services will become a commodity. I disagree. Managed services are not a single technology. Rather, managed service provider (MSP) platforms are a way to continually deliver new solutions to customers.

Think of it this way: As one managed service matures (for instance, managed storage) a new managed service will emerge (for instance, video surveillance). In order to show this visually, let’s take a look at Gartner’s famed Hype Cycle chart.

Now stick with me, and I’l quickly explain how I see the MSP market evolving.

Read More >

According to Ziff Davis Enterprise (Bright Future for Managed Service Providers, 2007), the top three issues facing MSPs today include: determining SLAs, pricing and transitioning customers to managed service.

Fortunately, MSPs can turn to key resources to help hone their skills, keep abreast of industry trends and learn from the experts. The unique needs of Managed Service Providers require access to strategic business insight for issues like business transformation, growth management, lead generation, sales training and positioning.

They also need to keep their finger on the pulse of the industry with immediate access to tools and resources that can help them to establish and maintain that competitive edge. Read More >

Instead of kicking back and relaxing for the holidays, managed service providers and integrators continue to discuss mergers, acquisitions and other potential business combinations. Two deals were announced on Jan. 2, and more are coming. Read More >

Some managed service providers make bold statements about their momentum. But Positive Networks of Kansas is one of the few privately held MSPs actually willing to talk dollars and cents. The company, which focuses on managed security services, says its revenue has nearly doubled for the third consecutive year. But that’s not all.

Read More >

Doing business in the Middle East can be a tricky endeavor for technology companies. But plenty of IT experts have found success in the region. Sales of enterprise application software across the Arab Middle East and North Africa grew 16 percent in 2005 and roughly another 13 percent in 2006, according to IDC. Now, managed services and software as a service (SaaS) are gaining popularity across the region, too. Read More >

Call it the managed services paradox: Plenty of VARs want to offer managed services, but they often lack deep enough pockets to pay for robust managed services platforms. What’s the solution to this financial shortfall? Here are a few options. Read More >

I have spent the past two days at CompTIA’s SMB Summit in Bonita Springs, Florida. Many of the discussions here involved managed services. Here are seven key themes at the event as they relate to running your business. Read More >