Master MSPs
Master MSPs offer a range of training and tools to VARs and aspiring MSPs. Many Master MSPs promote help desk services, NOCs (network operations centers), remote monitoring and management software (RMM) and professional services automation software (PSA) to VARs, aspiring MSPs and established MSPs.
Master MSPs — which offer VARs and peer MSPs a range of services — are evolving in multiple directions. Some Master MSPs continue to successfully onboard VARs and assist the MSP transformation process. Others have exited the market because it’s challenging to recruit and retain fledgling MSPs as paying customers. And generally speaking, I think some Master MSPs are shifting their focus to a cloud aggregator role. So what’s the difference between a cloud aggregator and a master MSP? Here are some educated guesses.
A new round of competition may be emerging in the managed services market. It goes something like this:
Master MSPs — which offer education and multiple hosted services to VARs and aspiring managed services providers — seem to be evolving in multiple directions. Some are becoming cloud aggregators. Others are expanding their SMB channel training services. But one thing is clear: No two Master MSPs seem to have the same business plan these days. Here’s why.
It’s been roughly three months since
Virtual Administrator, a well-known Master MSP, has selected Live Virtual Help Desk (LVHD, pictured) to offer 24×7 help desk services to its community of managed services providers. The move highlights Virtual Administrator’s continued partner program expansion, and LVHD’s growing ecosystem of relationships across the MSP market. Here’s a bit more on the deal, plus some more background on help desk services for MSPs.
When you start a business, most pundits tell you to focus on what you do best and ignore every other distraction and temptation. But small business blogger Stephanie Chandler says running multiple businesses could be the smartest decision you’ve ever made. I’m intrigued. And I think Chandler’s examples can be extended into the managed services market. Here’s why.
Ingram Micro North America Services VP Justin Crotty (pictured), leader of the company’s Seismic managed services business, is leaving Ingram Micro July 2. Sometime in mid-2010, Crotty will join NetEnrich, an IT-as-a-service company that works closely with distributors and channel partners. Here are the details.
Same story, different month. Long View Systems, ranked near the top of our 2010
When it comes to the managed services market, Synnex President and CEO Kevin Murai (pictured) doesn’t live in an ivory tower. During an interview yesterday in New York, Murai offered specific details about how Synnex — a specialty distributor — plans to engage more and more managed services providers (MSPS). As expected, the effort includes a close working relationship with itControl Solutions, a software company in Toronto. Here are some details.