MSPmentor

From EMC to Symantec, storage companies want their piece of the managed services pie. Toward that end, EMC is launching a software-as-a-service platform that allows customers to backup their information to EMC data centers. Meanwhile, Symantec is putting the final touches on its Symantec Protection Network — which will allow VARs to offer storage management services to their customers.

For managed service providers, the race is on to find a storage service that complements their existing platforms and sales strategies. Companies such as Symantec and Vembu have vowed to promote their managed storage services through channel partners, while direct sales veterans such as EMC still receive a healthy dose of skepticism from potential partners. Read More >

As I look into 2008, I’m starting to think that online backup has become a commodity — a managed service that every MSP has to offer as part of a larger suite of services. Thanks to heightened competition, the days of offering online backup as your one and only managed service are over.

Dozens of companies specialize in online backup. Big companies have purchased their way into the online backup game (example: Seagate acquired eVault in December 2006). And established software companies are now moving into the market (example: Symantec Protection Network will likely launch in January 2008). And let’s not forget about CommVault’s new online backup service. And there’s also Asigra, which says its Televaulting software now has 50,000 remote sites under protection.

So how can smaller MSPs compete in this very crowded market? I see two clear opportunities. Read More >

Byte and Switch, a web site that covers storage and networking, offers interesting perspective on recent acquisitions at IBM and Seagate. The IBM deal (acquiring Arsenal Digital) and Seagate’s move (buying MetaLINCS) both have strong managed services angles, according to the site. Surprised? You shouldn’t be.

As we mentioned in our 10 Managed Services Predictions for 2008, traditional IT vendors will continue to push deeper into managed services. Cisco, Dell, Microsoft, McAfee, Symantec… and the list goes on. Read More >