What comes after hosted Exchange and software as a service? Managed service providers like Azaleos Corp. and Intermedia Inc. continue to offer new answers to those questions. Here’s what to expect from both companies heading into Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2009 (WPC09) in New Orleans.
Microsoft SaaS: Host It Or Resell It?
Posted July 6th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
It could be a sign of things to come. Heading into the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2009 (WPC09), Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC) has agreed to resell Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS). CSC’s move represents an inflection point for managed service providers, many of which are trying to decide whether to host Exchange and SharePoint on their own — or simply resell Microsoft’s own hosted services.
Beware the Hosting Hype Cycle
Posted May 21st, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Frequent MSPmentor readers know I talk and blog about the Managed Services Hype Cycle (based on Gartner’s own Technology Hype Cycle chart). All technologies go through a maturity curve (a cycle of sorts) that involves a bit of pain (or lots of pain) for customers and MSPs. Now, some folks are starting to talk about a Hosting Hype Cycle. And it’s an important discussion.
Podcast: Nimsoft CEO Discusses Software Acquisition
Posted May 18th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
During this MSPmentor Live Podcast, Nimsoft CEO Gary Read (pictured) describes his company’s decision to acquire Cittio’s assets. Read explores what managed service providers and end-customers will gain from the deal, and he also examines the evolving MSP software landscape — which appears poised for consolidation. Now, listen in to the conversation.
Gateway, Level Platforms: Partnering On European Managed Services?
Posted May 18th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Multiple hardware and software companies are partnering up and choosing sides in a bid to expand the European managed services market. The moves apparently include a new relationship between Level Platforms and Gateway (the PC maker), plus an ongoing relationship between Intel and N-able.
Nimsoft Makes Acquisition
Posted May 18th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
A few weeks ago, Nimsoft CEO Gary Read told me that a new acquisition opportunity crossed his desk every day. Now, Read is pulling the trigger on a managed services-oriented deal that will give Nimsoft’s monitoring software new network discovery, topology and root cause analysis capabilities. Here are the early details on the deal, and my thoughts on additional MSP software market consolidation.
Level Platforms Monitors Microsoft Cloud Applications
Posted May 14th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
It’s the question I hear all the time: Can managed service providers truly profit from Microsoft’s Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS) cloud applications? And if so, where will MSPs add value? Apparently, Level Platforms wants to provide the answer to that question.
Microsoft’s BPOS: Partner Opportunities Ahead
Posted April 29th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
When it comes to understanding Microsoft’s SaaS (software as a service) strategy, there are only four letters managed service providers need to know: BPOS, short for Business Productivity Online Suite. Most of Microsoft’s major SaaS applications fit under the BPOS umbrella, and the software giant has started evangelizing BPOS opportunities to MSPs. Now, the big question: Is BPOS a real opportunity for channel partners?
Autotask Conference Preview: 5 Anticipated Discussion Points
Posted March 27th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Amy Katz and I land in Nashville, Tenn., this Sunday (March 29) for the Autotask Community Live conference. The grapevine tells me roughly 300 IT service providers and managed service providers will converge on Nashville for the conference, plus many of the remote monitoring tool providers will be on hand. Here are five discussion points we’ll be tracking at the event.
Microsoft’s Hosted Applications Going Global
Posted March 2nd, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Microsoft’s Business Productivity Online Suite — which features Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and Microsoft Office Live Meeting — will push into 18 new countries on April 1, according to CNet. The move comes as many of North America’s managed services giants — from Ingram Micro Seismic to The Planet — formulate their global hosting and software as a service (SaaS) strategies. Here’s what to expect.
Microsoft Announces Discounted SaaS Workshops
Posted October 3rd, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Microsoft is gearing up to launch its Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), a family of software as a service (SaaS) applications that will debut in the next few weeks. The launch strategy includes hands-on workshops and discounted training opportunities across the US.
Tech Data Offers Hosted Exchange Server to MSPs
Posted September 29th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
The market for hosted Exchange Server services is getting pretty darn crowded. The latest entrant is Tech Data Corp., which has signed a partnership with USA.NET to offer hosted Exchange Server, SharePoint and BlackBerry services to VARs and solutions providers.
Microsoft to Compete With Managed Service Providers In October
Posted September 26th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
D-day is nearly here. Microsoft is expected to launch a range of Software as a Service (SaaS) applications — known as the Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS) — in October. The BPOS offering could wind up competing head-on against some managed service providers. Here’s why.
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