MSPmentor

As I was scanning a few of my favorite blogs, I noticed CNet writing a bit about Untangle — the open source security gateway provider.

Untangle, as MSPmentor readers know, has gained some momentum with managed service providers. But CNet’s blog, The Open Road, takes a closer look and tracks Untangle’s successful transformation from a proprietary software provider into an open source specialist. Here’s what CNet had to say.

This is the latest indication that open source truly has penetrated the managed services and SaaS (software as a service) markets. Here’s an earlier piece I wrote about open source converging with managed services. I think the trend continues to accelerate because savvy MSPs can “get under the hood” and truly customize open source to fit their needs.

Calyptix Security and Level Platforms are introducing a manage security solution for established and aspiring MSPs. Here are the details, along with a bit of background on Calyptix — one of the more recent entrants in the MSP space. Read More >

How can a managed service provider differentiate itself from Microsoft’s own hosted Exchange Server offering? Azaleos, an MSP in Seattle, has found one potential answer. The company has launched security services to safeguard its Exchange email customers. Here’s some background. Read More >

Microsoft is spending considerable time this week talking up Forefront “Stirling,” a suite of integrated security products for desktop, server and network management. Although Stirling won’t arrive until the first half of 2009, I wonder if it will evolve to become a managed security service platform.  Read More >

Ubuntu, the fastest-growing version of Linux, is starting to attract interest from the managed services industry. One prime example: Untangle, which develops security solutions for managed service providers, is preparing to add support for Ubuntu within the next few months, MSPmentor has learned.

For MSPs, leveraging open source provides some cost-effective ways to introduce new services while connecting with fast-growing developer communities.

Here’s some more background on Ubuntu, along with emerging details about Untangle’s strategy for the operating system. Read More >

Ben Yarbrough has seen it. Bob Walters has seen it. And now, hundreds of managed service providers are starting to see it. What exactly is “it”? The simple answer: The convergence of open source with managed services.

Yarbrough, CEO of Calyptix Security, is seeking 100 managed service providers to embrace his company’s open source-based security appliance this year. Similarly, Bob Walters, CEO of Untangle, has bet his business on an open source network gateway, which is starting to attract strong interest from MSPs. Read More >

GigaFin, a 40-person networking start-up, is swimming aggressively into the managed services market. The company, formerly known as Mistletoe Technologies, is joining the MSP Alliance, launching a new partner portal, and introducing a management console to help managed service providers remotely administer customer networks, according to company representatives.

During a brief phone chat yesterday, GigaFin CEO William Thomas and Director of Marketing Mervyn Alamgir provided MSPmentor with a quick overview of the company. Read More >

Microsoft. It’s one of the few companies that could potentially change the managed services competitive landscape overnight.

For months, pundits — including MSPmentor — have wondered if the software giant would start to buy up MSP platform providers. But for now, Microsoft continues to partner in the MSP space. The company’s latest move involves an expanded relationship with N-able.

Read More >