Most of us have heard by now that cloud computing is set to displace managed services, forcing MSPs to rethink their role as value-added trusted advisors to their clients. Don’t believe these dire predictions of impending MSP doom. It’s hype and in fact, as a true MSP your value proposition doesn’t have to change with cloud computing. If you play your cards well, the cloud will bring you more business, not less. Here’s why.
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Cloud Computing Reality Check: 4 Milestones to Track
Posted February 22nd, 2010 by Justin Crotty
Seven Managed Services Blogs We Didn’t Write: Dec. 11
Posted December 11th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
I’m seated in Starbucks, waiting for a train from Manhattan to Long Island. Another day of channel chief and MSP meetings is nearly over. Plenty of news to share next week. In the meantime, here are seven managed services blog entries MSPmentor didn’t have time to write for the week ending Dec. 11.
Managed Services: The Value Is the Service
Posted February 18th, 2009 by Justin Crotty
Generally speaking, IT managed service providers are technologists, both in training and previous professional pursuits. The managed services market is also highly fragmented, with a long list of small technology and software companies all battling for the attention and business of end users and IT service providers. The value focus in all of the selling and marketing efforts has resulted in a disturbing trend carried over from the hardware selling models: A focus on tools, technology, and features/functions. Here’s how to avoid that trap at all costs.
Ingram Micro Seismic: Revenue Up 158%
Posted February 9th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
It’s the piece of Ingram Micro that managed service providers know — and Wall Street will eventually get to know. Ingram Micro Seismic, which offers a range of managed service solutions to VARs and MSPs, generated 158 percent revenue growth in 2008 vs. 2007, confirms Ingram VP Justin Crotty. Short term that’s good news for Ingram’s partners and the Master MSP trend. But long term — within a few years — I believe the Ingram Micro Seismic story will begin to influence Wall Street. Here’s why.
The Economic Crisis: A Rare Managed Services Opportunity?
Posted January 20th, 2009 by Justin Crotty
The current economic crisis is a monster – no doubt about that. If you are under the age of 80, this is shaping up to be the worst market downturn of your life. Cautious and prudent fiscal, managerial, and operational policy in our personal and business dealings is critical. But what many companies and managers, in the midst of a crisis like this, may not recognize is this: Downturns are significant opportunities that don’t come along very often.
September: Best Month Yet for Ingram Micro Seismic
Posted October 29th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
This just in: Ingram Micro Seismic, the distributor’s family of hosted services for VARs, signed up 52 new partners in September — the largest single month for net new partners, according to Ingram VP Justin Crotty.
Why MSP Sales Experts Get Lazy
Posted August 13th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Some of the most successful managed service providers have discovered a rather troubling trend: Their best sales pros are getting a little lazy living off recurring commissions, and aren’t motivated enough to go out and close new business toward the end of a fiscal year.
Ingram Micro Seismic Partner Conference: 3 Managed Services Trends
Posted August 11th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Roughly 175 solutions providers are gathering in Chicago this week for the Ingram Micro Seismic Partner Conference, which runs August 11 through 13.
Avnet, HP Partner on Managed Storage Services
Posted June 9th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Avnet Technology Solutions and Hewlett-Packard are promoting managed storage services into midsize businesses. The partnership, expected to be announced later today, involves HP’s Electronic Vaulting Services — which feature off-site data backup and recovery services for a monthly fee.
Tech Data vs. Ingram Micro on Managed Services
Posted June 5th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
I just spoke with Joe Quaglia, senior VP of US marketing for Tech Data Corp. Quaglia heads up Tech Data’s managed services strategy — known as VARChoice. The conversation gave me a better feel for Tech Data’s business plan in the MSP space, especially as it relates to Ingram Micro’s Seismic strategy.
MSPmentor Live: Podcast 007, Featuring Justin Crotty, Ingram Micro Seismic
Posted May 29th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Welcome to MSPmentor Live: Podcast edition.
- Episode #: 007 (May 29, 2008)
- Featured Guest: Justin Crotty, VP, Services, North America, Ingram Micro.
- Topics Covered: We explore Ingram Micro Seismic, the distributor’s portfolio of managed services offerings. How can VARs go to market with Seismic, how does it compare to MSP offerings from other distributors, and are managed services in danger of becoming a commodity?
And check the MSPmentor Live: Podcast Center for additional weekly podcasts.
MSPmentor Live: Podcast, Featuring Justin Crotty, Ingram Micro Seismic: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
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