MSPmentor

Broadband providers continue to push into the managed services sector. The latest example: NextPhase Wireless, which intends to roll out WiMAX networks across the 48 contiguous US states, is now launching online backup services for businesses of all sizes.

NextPhase’s move is the latest reminder that small managed service providers (MSPs) and solutions providers could wind up competing with national service providers that control big pipes into businesses and residential neighborhoods. Read More >

Last fall I predicted that video surveillance would emerge as a hot managed service in 2008. Two pieces of anecdotal information are now backing up my prediction. Read More >

As many of our readers know, MSPmentor’s owner (Nine Lives Media Inc.) likes to outsource as many functions as possible. Just yesterday, our team was talking about managing and coordinating monthly expense reports. By the time I got back to my office, I had a message in my inbox about BT launching a Web Expenses tool for small businesses. Seems like Software as a Service (SaaS) continues to converge with managed services — which is good news for small businesses. Read More >

Imaging melding open source, security, managed services and a channel program into a single company. At first glance, that’s a pretty compelling strategy. But plenty of open source companies have fallen on their faces when they tried to build channel programs.

Simply put, building an open source community (where contributors don’t constantly ask about product margins) is far different from building a channel community (where every cent counts). Still, some tech companies are succeeding with that balancing act. Here’s a case in point from Untangle. Read More >

Just what the tech world needs: Another acronym. Although I try to steer clear of technology jargon, the term “managed video service provider” (MVSP) caught my eye today. Applied Global Technologies is launching an end-to-end video collaboration service called PerfectMeetings. The announcement mentioned several trends involving MVSPs.

That got me thinking about several vertical market trends (involving government, education and retail). I’ve come to the following conclusion: For managed service providers (MSPs), corporate video applications should be near the top of your new business opportunity list. Here’s why. Read More >

Back in October, I asked readers if managed services could help VARs to better weather an economic slowdown. The overwhelming response from readers was “yes.” Now, MSP University is asking the same question again. And the blog entry, written by Erick Simpson, offers some compelling thoughts about MSPs thriving during weak economies. Take a look at MSP University’s perspective here.

As you likely heard, Dell is acquiring Everdream, the software-as-a-service and managed service platform provider. I firmly believe this will be part of a growing trend in 2008. Here are seven key lessons and considerations to keep in mind as Dell digests Everdream. Read More >

At first glance, most VARs use managed services to remotely administer PCs, notebooks, servers, routers–traditional network infrastructure. But take a closer look and you’ll discover that there are opportunities to manage other types of IP devices–including medical equipment, facilities (heat, electric, air conditioning), etc. A great example of this comes from Germany, where a major medical equipment provider uses ComBrio’s managed services platform. Here’s how.

Read More >