I spent some time with Erick Simpson, VP and CIO of MSP University, during the Kaseya User Conference in Las Vegas last month. Even before we met, I knew Erick had written some best-selling books on managed services. But I wanted to learn a bit more about where MSP University had been … and where it’s going.
Here are some key points from our discussions.
During a discussion at CompTIA’s recent SMB Summit in Florida, some VARs mentioned that Cox Communications — the cable company — is attempting to push into managed services and develop closer relationships with small and mid-size businesses. Cox isn’t alone. Cable companies across the country are starting to offer managed IP services, which means solutions providers need to maintain face-time — and account control — with their customers. Read More >
I witnessed a rather interesting debate earlier this week at CompTIA’s SMB Summit. During the event, hosted in Bonita Springs, Fla., about 120 VARs debated the true definition of managed services. Eventually, attendees reached two clear conclusions: First, managed services are either (A) delivered remotely or (B) delivered on site — yes, on site. The real trick, all attendees agreed, is to deliver the remote or on-site services as part of a monthly contract/service fee.
These definitions may seem trivial, but they are important. During the conference, roughly 50 percent of attendees said they already offer managed services and 80 percent said they’d offer managed services in 2008. But when pressed to describe the managed services they plan to offer, many attendees said they are starting with on-site services because they don’t have the money or expertise yet to deploy an MSP remote administration platform.
Are managed services more than hype? I’ve spoken with quite a few VARs and solutions providers who have successfully moved into managed services. Still skeptical? Maybe you should book a trip to the MSP Alliance Fall Managed Services Conference. More than a dozen MSP platform providers are sponsoring the event. And scores of VARs will attend in a quest to better understand how managed services may bolster their businesses. Read More >
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