CA Inc. continues to accelerate its managed services partnership with Ingram Micro Seismic. And CA Senior VP and GM Adam Famularo confirms more moves are coming — including a version of XOsoft business continuity software that MSPs can host on their own. Here’s a bit more on CA’s emerging disaster recovery strategy for MSPs and VARs, including a FastChat Video with Famularo.
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CA Takes Closer Look At MSP Partner Strategy
Posted October 8th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
CompTIA-MSP Partners: CEOs and Executives Weigh In
Posted September 30th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
CompTIA CEO Todd Thibodeaux (pictured) is calling for ‘coopetition’ in the managed services education market. Even as CompTIA acquires MSP Partners today, the organization plans to continue working closely with MSP University, MSP Services Network and other industry leaders. Plus, Thibodeaux says he’ll continue to “extend a hand” to the MSPAlliance to seek out common ground for potential work together. Here are more thoughts from Thibodeaux plus observations from industry executives.
Five Ways MSPs Can Engage Customers During Transition Periods
Posted June 30th, 2009 by Andrew Pohran
I can’t really say that I look forward to transition periods. Activities like searching for a new job, taking on a new role at work, or moving to a new place of residence equal long hours and (often) sleepless nights. But there’s also something I like about transition, something fascinating: I can control the outcome of the activity. I can choose a new job. I can create structure and processes in a new role at work. And I can paint walls, install flooring, and make numerous renovations in a new home.
MSP Partners Launches Managed Services Exam
Posted May 26th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
MSP Partners is set to debut MSP Pro — an online exam that allows managed service providers to “demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Managed Services Best Practices,” according to a press release that will hit the wires May 26.
MSPAlliance Responds to MSP Partners’ Managed Services Accreditation
Posted April 16th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
I’ll avoid the temptation to call it a managed services war or a battle. But there is a clear difference of opinion between the MSPAlliance and MSP Partners regarding managed services accreditation. And the story (actually non-story, I believe) reached new heights a few hours ago. Pull up a chair and take a seat. This is a long blog entry.
More MSPs March Toward SAS 70
Posted April 9th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
A quick observation: Larger, more successful managed service providers continue to embrace SAS 70 II (Statement of Auditing Standards No. 70), an American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) standard for auditing service organizations. The latest example involves FusionStorm, an MSPmentor 100 company that says it has completed SAS 70 Type II certification.
Managed Services Accreditation, Part 2: Views From MSP Partners, MSPAlliance
Posted April 1st, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
When MSP Partners on March 31 announced plans for a managed services accreditation test, I offered some quick perspectives but also raised five follow-up questions. Seeking answers, I contacted MSP Partners and the MSPAlliance — which already offers a managed services accreditation. Here are some perspectives on key questions I had raised.
MSP Partners Launches Managed Services Accreditation Test
Posted March 31st, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
This is part one of an anticipated two-part post. The news: MSP Partners — working with CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) and IPED (Institute for Partner Education and and Development) — is launching an accreditation test for managed service providers. Here’s the quick scoop, plus some questions I need to get answered.
Managed Services: The Best Are Getting Better
Posted March 4th, 2009 by Jim Hamilton
Despite the falling economy, business is looking up for top managed service providers. Indeed, top MSPs are generating better margins and more revenue per customer than ever according to the latest MSP Partners/Institute for Partner Education and Development (IPED) research into the state of the managed services market. Check out these highlights.
CompTIA Launching Managed Services Best Practices Index
Posted February 12th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association), with an assist from Service Leadership Inc., is launching a “best-in-class” index to help managed service providers discover and embrace best practices for success. The index is part of a broader Managed IT Services push at CompTIA, one of several organizations seeking to transform good MSPs into great MSPs.
Three Tips: Managed Services Sales and Compensation
Posted December 23rd, 2008 by Jim Hamilton
I have a neighbor who really gets into Christmas. His house is covered with lights and ornaments. The combination of bright lights and shiny objects captures lots of attention, even prompting a local TV crew to broadcast in front of his house.
Putting A Price On Eternal IT and MSP Happiness
Posted October 3rd, 2008 by Jim Hamilton
The evil-hearted Mr. Burns of Simpson’s fame once quipped “One dollar for eternal happiness? I’d be happier with the dollar.”
The $100,000 Managed Services Myth
Posted June 20th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
It costs a small fortune — $100,000 or more — to become a managed service provider. At least, that’s what some folks claim. Truth is, there are lots of ways to get started as an MSP without mortgaging your house or maxing out your business’s line of credit.
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