MSPmentor

Microsoft has released Forefront Endpoint Protection (FEP) 2010 to manufacturers, with a general availability through their Volume Licensing Service Center of January 1, 2011. But that’s less interesting than the fact than FES 2010 marks the start of Microsoft’s play to integrate security and desktop management. Here’s some perspective.

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Two data specialists MSPmentor has been following for some time have aligned forces, as Seagate subsidiary i365 is planning to resell Datacastle‘s trademark RED data protection solution as both SaaS and on-premise software under the EVault brand. Here’s the scoop.

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N-able CEO Gavin Garbutt thinks he’s found new ways for MSPs to increase their market penetration. Specifically, Garbutt is turning N-able’s attention to partnerships on the data protection, compliance and capacity management fronts. Each of those partnerships should provide upsell and cross-sell opportunities for MSPs, Garbutt asserts. How? Garbutt shares details in this MSPmentor FastChat Video.

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At the N-able Partner Summit, CEO Gavin Garbutt is touting several signs of growth within the managed services market. Among the highlights: N-able’s MSP partners have grown their managed device base by 51 percent since February 2010. Moreover, N-able’s MSP partners are managing 45 percent more customers since February. What’s driving the growth? Garbutt points to simplified sales models and freemium software strategies that are taking hold with MSPs and their end-customers. Here are the details.

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At the N-able Partner Summit in Scottsdale, Ariz., CEO Gavin Garbutt (pictured) is pulling back the curtain on a global growth strategy and solutions roadmap. The effort includes “key vertical markets, alliances and integrated solutions” that will allow MSPs to deliver next-generation managed services and cloud-based offerings over the next 18 months, N-able claims. Here’s the update.

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A few hundred managed services providers (MSPs) are set to attend the N-able Partner Summit later this week (Oct. 20-22, Scottsdale, Ariz.). So, what managed services trends can we expect at the conference, and what messages will N-able CEO Gavin Garbutt deliver to the crowd? Here are five clues and predictions from MSPmentor.

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Here’s an ironic twist: Labtech Software, the remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform provider, has embraced AVG’s anti-virus offerings. The move comes several months after Labtech rival Kaseya differentiated beyond AVG to promote Kaspersky Lab’s anti-virus. Here’s the update on how anti-virus companies are trying to work more closely with MSPs and RMM software providers.

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ManageEngine, a division of ZOHO Corp., has launched MSP Center Lite, an agent-based remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform for managed services providers. The interesting twist: MSP Center Lite is free for MSPs that want to manage up to 25 devices. Beyond that, the software starts at $545 per year for 50 managed devices. Here’s a closer look at ManageEngine’s strategy plus the MSP freemium trend.

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At first glance, today’s big news involves Thoma Bravo, a private equity firm, acquiring LANDesk Software for an undisclosed sum. But take a closer look and perhaps the bigger news involves potential synergies between Thoma Bravo’s portfolio companies — which now include LANDesk, SonicWall, Vision Solutions, Double-Take Software Inc. and several other software companies. Can we expect MSP-centric synergies between those companies?

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N-able Technologies CEO Gavin Garbutt (pictured) appears addicted to a freemium software strategy. And there are indications that the freemium effort is catching on with end-customers and managed services providers. The latest N-able move involves free Windows password management software that could generate qualified sales leads for mid-market MSPs. Here are the details.

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Data security vendor Datacastle is now delivering their RED laptop backup and encryption endpoint solution as a service through Microsoft’s Windows Azure cloud platform. Here’s the lowdown.

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McAfee continues to evolve its business. Only days after launching a new channel partner program, McAfee has partnered up with Citrix Systems on virtual desktop security. Here are the details.

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For the second time in recent weeks, Kaspersky Lab executives are hinting that the endpoint security company is looking to work more closely with managed services providers. Here are the details.

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Zenith Infotech plans to host 124 U.S. Open Houses in the first quarter of 2010 — part of a push to promote managed services infrastructure and business continuity services to solutions providers targeting small and mid-size companies. Take a closer look and you’ll notice this is part of a larger trend that’s accelerating across the managed services market: Software companies hitting the road and holding face-to-face engagements, open houses and user group gatherings.

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Here’s another blog entry that’s been spinning around my head for several weeks. It goes something like this: There’s no longer a first-mover advantage in the managed services market. The original theme — proactive, remote monitoring for a predictable monthly fee — is old news. So what’s next?

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Several MSP software providers are planning major platform upgrades in December 2009 and January 2010. Earlier today, for instance, N-able launched N-central 7.0. The company also reinforced a “freemium” security software strategy to help grow the managed services market. As new upgrades flood the market, established and aspiring MSPs will have the opportunity to re-examine which tools and technologies align best with their business goals.

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Add Datacastle to the list of endpoint security specialists targeting managed service providers. The Seattle-based company has announced an endpoint data protection platform that MSPs can offer to their customers.

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