MSPmentor » Podcasts http://www.mspmentor.net Managed Services Blog for Top Managed Service Providers Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:57:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc en hourly 1 2006-2007 joe@ninelivesmediainc.com (MSPmentor) joe@ninelivesmediainc.com (MSPmentor) posts 1440 Managed Services Blog for Top Managed Service Providers MSPmentor MSPmentor joe@ninelivesmediainc.com No no http://www.mspmentor.net/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpg MSPmentor http://www.mspmentor.net 144 144 Podcast: Ingram Micro Seismic and Nimsoft – A Closer Look http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/09/02/podcast-ingram-micro-seismic-and-nimsoft-a-closer-look/ http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/09/02/podcast-ingram-micro-seismic-and-nimsoft-a-closer-look/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:00:57 +0000 Joe Panettieri http://www.mspmentor.net/?p=3746 The Ingram Micro Seismic-Nimsoft relationship has been rumored for months. Now that it’s actually official, I wanted to take a closer look at the deal and the implications for VARs and managed services providers (MSPs).  Seeking answers and perspectives, I spoke with Jason Beal (director of sales, North America) from Ingram Micro’s Services Division and Nimsoft President and CEO Gary Read.

Here’s a minute-by-minute look at our conversation:

0:55: Overview, how Ingram Micro Seismic and Nimsoft plan to work together
2:20: What Nimsoft gains from the Ingram Micro relationship
3:35: Will Ingram Micro host Nimsoft for reseller?
3:55: How will Ingram resellers leverage Nimsoft’s software?
4:18: What markets will Ingram Micro and Nimsoft jointly target?
5:12: Nimsoft – competing with Big 4 systems management providers?
6:12: Nimsoft’s focus on VoIP and application-level management
7:45: How will Ingram Micro Seismic partners potentially benefit from the Nimsoft relationship?
8:50: Targeting larger customer engagements
9:50: An update on the overall Ingram Micro Seismic platform
10:50: Finding more information
12:00: Conclusion

Visit the MSPmentor Live Podcast Center for our more discussions with MSP industry leaders.

Read More About This Topic

]]> http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/09/02/podcast-ingram-micro-seismic-and-nimsoft-a-closer-look/feed/ 0 11:59 The Ingram Micro Seismic-Nimsoft relationship has been rumored for months. Now that it's actually official, I wanted to take a closer look at the deal ... The Ingram Micro Seismic-Nimsoft relationship has been rumored for months. Now that it's actually official, I wanted to take a closer look at the deal and the implications for VARs and managed services providers (MSPs).nbsp; Seeking answers and perspectives, I spoke with Jason Beal (director of sales, North America) from Ingram Micro's Services Division and Nimsoft President and CEO Gary Read. Here's a minute-by-minute look at our conversation: 0:55: Overview, how Ingram Micro Seismic and Nimsoft plan to work together 2:20: What Nimsoft gains from the Ingram Micro relationship 3:35: Will Ingram Micro host Nimsoft for reseller? 3:55: How will Ingram resellers leverage Nimsoft's software? 4:18: What markets will Ingram Micro and Nimsoft jointly target? 5:12: Nimsoft - competing with Big 4 systems management providers? 6:12: Nimsoft's focus on VoIP and application-level management 7:45: How will Ingram Micro Seismic partners potentially benefit from the Nimsoft relationship? 8:50: Targeting larger customer engagements 9:50: An update on the overall Ingram Micro Seismic platform 10:50: Finding more information 12:00: Conclusion Visit the MSPmentor Live Podcast Center for our more discussions with MSP industry leaders. Master,MSP,,Podcasts joe@ninelivesmediainc.com no No Podcast: SaaS Security Opportunities for MSPs http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/08/27/podcast-saas-security-opportunities-for-msps-vars/ http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/08/27/podcast-saas-security-opportunities-for-msps-vars/#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:01:15 +0000 Joe Panettieri http://www.mspmentor.net/?p=3692 SaaS Security Opportunities for VARs (featuring Trend Micro's TJ Alldridge), Cloud and SaaS-based CRM for Channel Partners (SugarCRM CEO Larry Augustin) and a Fortinet Partner Program Update (Fortinet Channel VP Kendra Krause). Check our MSPmentor and The VAR Guy Podcast Centers regularly for conversations about managed services and what's next in the IT channel.]]> Three new conversations have landed in our MSPmentor and The VAR Guy Podcast Centers. They include SaaS Security Opportunities for VARs (featuring Trend Micro’s TJ Alldridge), Cloud and SaaS-based CRM for Channel Partners (SugarCRM CEO Larry Augustin) and a Fortinet Partner Program Update (Fortinet Channel VP Kendra Krause). Check our MSPmentor and The VAR Guy Podcast Centers regularly for conversations about managed services and what’s next in the IT channel.

Read More About This Topic

  • Related posts are coming soon
]]> http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/08/27/podcast-saas-security-opportunities-for-msps-vars/feed/ 0 Podcast: Cisco Financing Options for MSPs http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/07/21/podcast-cisco-financing-options-for-msps/ http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/07/21/podcast-cisco-financing-options-for-msps/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:33:46 +0000 Joe Panettieri http://www.mspmentor.net/?p=3253 Special from TheVARguy.com: In our latest podcast, Maryann Von Seggern, director of worldwide channels development for Cisco Capital, describes partner financing options from the networking giant. ]]> Special from TheVARguy.com: In our latest podcast, Maryann Von Seggern, director of worldwide channels development for Cisco Capital, describes partner financing options from the networking giant.

Von Seggern leads an organization responsible for developing Cisco Capital’s Channel financing strategy — which includes programs that support Cisco’s more than 40,000 channel partners globally. Listen in as Von Seggern describes how Cisco Capital is working with channel partners amid the challenging economy.

Follow MSPmentor via RSS; Facebook; Identi.ca; and Twitter. And sign up for our Enewsletter; Webcasts and Resource Center.

Read More About This Topic

  • Related posts are coming soon
]]> http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/07/21/podcast-cisco-financing-options-for-msps/feed/ 0 8:20 Special from TheVARguy.com: In our latest podcast, Maryann Von Seggern, director of worldwide channels development for Cisco Capital, describes partner financing options from the networking ... Special from TheVARguy.com: In our latest podcast, Maryann Von Seggern, director of worldwide channels development for Cisco Capital, describes partner financing options from the networking giant. Von Seggern leads an organization responsible for developing Cisco Capitalrsquo;s Channel financing strategy -- which includes programs that support Ciscorsquo;s more than 40,000 channel partners globally. Listen in as Von Seggern describes how Cisco Capital is working with channel partners amid the challenging economy. Follow MSPmentor via RSS; Facebook; Identi.ca; and Twitter. And sign up for our Enewsletter; Webcasts and Resource Center. Finance,,Podcasts joe@ninelivesmediainc.com no No ConnectWise, HTG Peer Groups Ink Strategic Alliance http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/06/30/connectwise-htg-peer-groups-ink-strategic-alliance/ http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/06/30/connectwise-htg-peer-groups-ink-strategic-alliance/#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:06:16 +0000 Joe Panettieri http://www.mspmentor.net/?p=2985 Peer groups — which allow VARs and managed service providers to measure their business performance against each other — continue to evolve rapidly. The latest move involves a strategic alliance between HTG Peer Groups and ConnectWise. Here are some details, plus a podcast with HTG Founder Arlin Sorensen and ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini.

No doubt, peer groups are a hot trend across the IT channel. Organizations like HTG, True Profits and Taylor Business Group allow VARs and MSPs from non-competing geographies to hold closed-door, confidential business performance meetings. (Side note: True Profits’ website has been offline for at least a few weeks… I need to check that out.)

Problems and Solutions

But here’s a key challenge: Many of the peer group members may not be running the same business reports. And they might measure their business performance using different metrics.

The solution, according to ConnectWise’s Bellini, is a common business operating system that allows peer group members to speak the same business and financial language.

Yes, Bellini’s “common business operating system” vision has some self-serving aspects. But it’s also accurate. And Bellini is investing in the effort with new tools for the HTG peer groups.

The Age of Standardization

We’ve all worked in companies where multiple departments use different CRM and ERP systems. The result was a hodgepodge of information, rather than standard business discussions across the company. Gradually, large businesses began to standardize their internal ERP and CRM systems so that all departments were working from the same play book.

The same holds true in the managed services market. MSPs that come together in peer groups need common tools to see and manage their businesses, and share best practices. In HTG’s case, the stated “common platform” is ConnectWise.

In some other cases, we’re seeing vendors (such as Autotask and N-able, respectively) form peer groups around their respective user bases.

I have dozens of additional thoughts on the evolution of peer groups. And I’ll be back with more thoughts — including some risks that peer groups could encounter in the years ahead.

But in the meantime, here’s the podcast with Bellini and Sorensen, explaining the ConnectWise and HTG connection. You’ll find it below.

Follow MSPmentor via RSS, Facebook, Identi.ca and Twitter. Subscribe to our Enewsletter, Webcasts and Resource Center.

Read More About This Topic

]]> http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/06/30/connectwise-htg-peer-groups-ink-strategic-alliance/feed/ 11 13:49 Peer groups -- which allow VARs and managed service providers to measure their business performance against each other -- continue to evolve rapidly. The latest ... Peer groups -- which allow VARs and managed service providers to measure their business performance against each other -- continue to evolve rapidly. The latest move involves a strategic alliance between HTG Peer Groups and ConnectWise. Here are some details, plus a podcast with HTG Founder Arlin Sorensen and ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini. No doubt, peer groups are a hot trend across the IT channel. Organizations like HTG, True Profits and Taylor Business Group allow VARs and MSPs from non-competing geographies to hold closed-door, confidential business performance meetings. (Side note: True Profits' website has been offline for at least a few weeks... I need to check that out.) Problems and Solutions But here's a key challenge: Many of the peer group members may not be running the same business reports. And they might measure their business performance using different metrics. The solution, according to ConnectWise's Bellini, is a common business operating system that allows peer group members to speak the same business and financial language. Yes, Bellini's "common business operating system" vision has some self-serving aspects. But it's also accurate. And Bellini is investing in the effort with new tools for the HTG peer groups. Here's my podcast conversation with Bellini and Sorensen (recorded June 29). The Age of Standardization We've all worked in companies where multiple departments use different CRM and ERP systems. The result was a hodgepodge of information, rather than standard business discussions across the company. Gradually, large businesses began to standardize their internal ERP and CRM systems so that all departments were working from the same play book. The same holds true in the managed services market. MSPs that come together in peer groups need common tools to see and manage their businesses, and share best practices. In HTG's case, the stated "common platform" is ConnectWise. In some other cases, we're seeing vendors (such as Autotask and N-able, respectively) form peer groups around their respective user bases. I have dozens of additional thoughts on the evolution of peer groups. And I'll be back with more thoughts -- including some risks that peer groups could encounter in the years ahead. But in the meantime, here's the podcast with Bellini and Sorensen, explaining the ConnectWise and HTG connection. You'll find it below. Follow MSPmentor via RSS, Facebook, Identi.ca and Twitter. Subscribe to our Enewsletter, Webcasts and Resource Center. Finance,,PSA,,Podcasts,,Sales joe@ninelivesmediainc.com no No Podcast: Open Source Networking http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/06/24/podcast-open-source-networking/ http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/06/24/podcast-open-source-networking/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:00:41 +0000 Joe Panettieri http://www.mspmentor.net/?p=2873 Vyatta positions itself as the open source networking alternative to Cisco Systems. But what exactly does that mean? And how is Vyatta working with Citrix Systems, which recently invested in Vyatta? To find the answers, I spoke with Kelly Herrell (pictured), CEO of Vyatta. ]]> vyatta-ceo_kelly_herrellVyatta positions itself as the open source networking alternative to Cisco Systems. But what exactly does that mean? And how is Vyatta working with Citrix Systems, which recently invested in Vyatta? To find the answers, I spoke with Kelly Herrell (pictured), CEO of Vyatta.

Follow MSPmentor via RSS, Facebook, Identi.ca and Twitter. Subscribe to our Enewsletter, Webcasts and Resource Center.

Read More About This Topic

]]> http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/06/24/podcast-open-source-networking/feed/ 1 11:18 Vyatta positions itself as the open source networking alternative to Cisco Systems. But what exactly does that mean? And how is Vyatta working with Citrix ... Vyatta positions itself as the open source networking alternative to Cisco Systems. But what exactly does that mean? And how is Vyatta working with Citrix Systems, which recently invested in Vyatta? To find the answers, I spoke with Kelly Herrell (pictured), CEO of Vyatta. Follow MSPmentor via RSS, Facebook, Identi.ca and Twitter. Subscribe to our Enewsletter, Webcasts and Resource Center. Podcasts joe@ninelivesmediainc.com no No Podcast: Nimsoft CEO Discusses Software Acquisition http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/05/18/podcast-nimsoft-ceo-gary-read/ http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/05/18/podcast-nimsoft-ceo-gary-read/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 19:56:17 +0000 Joe Panettieri http://www.mspmentor.net/?p=2055 During this MSPmentor Live Podcast, Nimsoft CEO Gary Read (pictured) describes his company's decision to acquire Cittio's assets. Read explores what managed service providers and end-customers will gain from the deal, and he also examines the evolving MSP software landscape -- which appears poised for consolidation. Now, listen in to the conversation. ]]> During this MSPmentor Live Podcast, Nimsoft CEO Gary Read (pictured) describes his company’s decision to acquire Cittio’s assets. Read explores what managed service providers and end-customers will gain from the deal, and he also examines the evolving MSP software landscape — which appears poised for consolidation. Now, listen in to the conversation.

MSPmentor is updated multiple times daily. Follow us via RSS, Facebook and Twitter. And subscribe to our enewsletter, webcasts and Resource Center.

Read More About This Topic

]]> http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/05/18/podcast-nimsoft-ceo-gary-read/feed/ 2 8:26 During this MSPmentor Live Podcast, Nimsoft CEO Gary Read (pictured) describes his company's decision to acquire Cittio's assets. Read explores what managed service providers and ... During this MSPmentor Live Podcast, Nimsoft CEO Gary Read (pictured) describes his company's decision to acquire Cittio's assets. Read explores what managed service providers and end-customers will gain from the deal, and he also examines the evolving MSP software landscape -- which appears poised for consolidation. Now, listen in to the conversation. MSPmentor is updated multiple times daily. Follow us via RSS, Facebook and Twitter. And subscribe to our enewsletter, webcasts and Resource Center. Acquisitions,,Podcasts joe@ninelivesmediainc.com no No Podcast: Security Accreditation for VARs, MSPs http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/05/15/podcast-security-accreditation-for-vars-msps/ http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/05/15/podcast-security-accreditation-for-vars-msps/#comments Fri, 15 May 2009 14:18:27 +0000 Joe Panettieri http://www.mspmentor.net/?p=2021 CompTIA VP Robert Biddle. Our discussion focused on the CompTIA Security Trustmark accreditation, and its potential implications for VARs, managed service providers, solutions providers, IT vendors and end-users. ]]> During the Ingram Micro Seismic Partner Conference in Dallas earlier this month, I spoke with CompTIA VP Robert Biddle. Our discussion focused on the CompTIA Security Trustmark accreditation, and its potential implications for VARs, managed service providers, solutions providers, IT vendors and end-users.

Biddle explained the difference between security certification and security accreditation, and he provided some clues about where CompTIA is heading next with its accreditation programs.

MSPmentor is updated multiple times daily. Follow us via RSS, Facebook and Twitter. And subscribe to our enewsletter, webcasts and Resource Center.

Read More About This Topic

]]> http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/05/15/podcast-security-accreditation-for-vars-msps/feed/ 0 7:02 During the Ingram Micro Seismic Partner Conference in Dallas earlier this month, I spoke with CompTIA VP Robert Biddle. Our discussion focused on the CompTIA ... During the Ingram Micro Seismic Partner Conference in Dallas earlier this month, I spoke with CompTIA VP Robert Biddle. Our discussion focused on the CompTIA Security Trustmark accreditation, and its potential implications for VARs, managed service providers, solutions providers, IT vendors and end-users. Biddle explained the difference between security certification and security accreditation, and he provided some clues about where CompTIA is heading next with its accreditation programs. MSPmentor is updated multiple times daily. Follow us via RSS, Facebook and Twitter. And subscribe to our enewsletter, webcasts and Resource Center. Certification,,Master,MSPs,,Podcasts joe@ninelivesmediainc.com no No Managed Services Podcast: Transitioning From VAR to MSP http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/05/14/managed-services-podcast-transitioning-from-var-to-msp/ http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/05/14/managed-services-podcast-transitioning-from-var-to-msp/#comments Thu, 14 May 2009 19:36:56 +0000 Joe Panettieri http://www.mspmentor.net/?p=2007 During MSPmentor Live: Podcast Edition, I speak with David Schafran, president of Transformation Strategies Inc., a consulting firm that helps VARs transition to managed services. Also joining us is Michael Coopersmith, owner Integrated Technology Systems of New York City. We cover how Schafran is helping Coopersmith transition his business for managed services. This is Part I of a planned two-part podcast series. We’ll check back in with Schafran and Coopersmith in a few weeks to measure Integrated Technology Systems’ progress.]]> During MSPmentor Live: Podcast Edition, I speak with David Schafran, president of Transformation Strategies Inc., a consulting firm that helps VARs transition to managed services. Also joining us is Michael Coopersmith, owner Integrated Technology Systems of New York City. We cover how Schafran is helping Coopersmith transition his business for managed services. This is Part I of a planned two-part podcast series. We’ll check back in with Schafran and Coopersmith in a few weeks to measure Integrated Technology Systems’ progress.

Read More About This Topic

]]> http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/05/14/managed-services-podcast-transitioning-from-var-to-msp/feed/ 2 00:01:01 During MSPmentor Live: Podcast Edition, I speak with David Schafran, president of Transformation Strategies Inc., a consulting firm that helps VARs transition to managed services. ... During MSPmentor Live: Podcast Edition, I speak with David Schafran, president of Transformation Strategies Inc., a consulting firm that helps VARs transition to managed services. Also joining us is Michael Coopersmith, owner Integrated Technology Systems of New York City. We cover hownbsp;Schafran is helping Coopersmith transition his business for managed services. This is Part I of a planned two-part podcast series. Wersquo;ll check back in with Schafran and Coopersmith in a few weeks to measure Integrated Technology Systemsrsquo; progress. Podcasts,,Sales,,Service,Level,Agreements joe@ninelivesmediainc.com no No Ingram Micro CEO: Seismic Managed Services Looking to Go Global http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/04/07/ingram-micro-ceo-seismic-managed-services-looking-to-go-global/ http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/04/07/ingram-micro-ceo-seismic-managed-services-looking-to-go-global/#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:00:04 +0000 Joe Panettieri http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/04/07/ingram-micro-ceo-seismic-managed-services-looking-to-go-global/ First, Ingram Micro VP Justin Crotty said it in an MSPmentor podcast. Now, Ingram Micro CEO Greg Spierkel has said it: The distributor is looking for ways push Ingram Micro Seismic into international markets. ]]> Ingram Micro CEO Greg Spierkel and Seismic managed services: going global?First, Ingram Micro VP Justin Crotty said it in an MSPmentor podcast. Now, Ingram Micro CEO Greg Spierkel has said it: The distributor is looking for ways push Ingram Micro Seismic into international markets.

Spierkel touched on Ingram’s international plans for the managed services market during a podcast with our sister site, TheVARguy.com, recorded April 1 at the Venturetech Network (VTN) conference in Orlando, Fla. Spierkel’s comments reflect the ongoing global MSP land grab, which MSPmentor highlighted on February 27, 2009.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that in North America, the managed services market is witnessing slowing growth — putting even more pressure on platform and software providers to expand globally.

Read More About This Topic

]]> http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/04/07/ingram-micro-ceo-seismic-managed-services-looking-to-go-global/feed/ 0 10:21 First, Ingram Micro VP Justin Crotty said it in an MSPmentor podcast. Now, Ingram Micro CEO Greg Spierkel has said it: The distributor is looking ... First, Ingram Micro VP Justin Crotty said it in an MSPmentor podcast. Now, Ingram Micro CEO Greg Spierkel has said it: The distributor is looking for ways push Ingram Micro Seismic into international markets. Spierkel touched on Ingram's international plans for the managed services market during a podcast with our sister site, TheVARguy.com, recorded April 1 at the Venturetech Network (VTN) conference in Orlando, Fla. Spierkel's comments reflect the ongoing global MSP land grab, which MSPmentor highlighted on February 27, 2009. Anecdotal evidence suggests that in North America, the managed services market is witnessing slowing growth -- putting even more pressure on platform and software providers to expand globally. Podcasts joe@ninelivesmediainc.com no No Vodcast: Autotask CEO Bob Godgart http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/04/01/vodcast-autotask-ceo-bob-godgart/ http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/04/01/vodcast-autotask-ceo-bob-godgart/#comments Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:39:55 +0000 Joe Panettieri http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/04/01/vodcast-autotask-ceo-bob-godgart/ The Autotask Community Live conference wrapped up yesterday. But the steady flow of content from the conference continues. Here's my conversation with Autotask CEO Bob Godgart. He provides a healthy reminder that some managed service providers are cutting staff during the recession. But Godgart also delivers some optimistic messages -- including a new strategy to eliminate the wall between MSPs and corporate IT. Take a look. ]]> Autotask CEO Bob GodgartThe Autotask Community Live conference wrapped up yesterday. But the steady flow of content from the conference continues. Here’s my conversation with Autotask CEO Bob Godgart. He provides a healthy reminder that some managed service providers are cutting staff during the recession. But Godgart also delivers some optimistic messages — including a new strategy to eliminate the wall between MSPs and corporate IT. Take a look.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Read More About This Topic

]]> http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/04/01/vodcast-autotask-ceo-bob-godgart/feed/ 1