It was a busy first quarter for the new MSPmentor — and the managed services market as a whole. Overall, we posted more than 150 pieces of content on our Web site in Q1, ranging from news to white papers to the MSPmentor 100.
Trend Watch: Managed ERP Services
Posted March 26th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Managed services aren’t just for small business. In fact, the managed service providers see ample opportunity in mid-size businesses. But targeting the mid-market often means competing with well-funded, profitable consulting firms that specialize in host ERP (enterprise resource planning) applications.
Online Event: Marketing and Sales Strategies for Managed Service Providers
Posted March 24th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Many online events have turned into pure vendor sales pitches. But Microsoft’s Small Business Summit, which kicks off March 24 at noon eastern, caught my attention because it includes extensive sales and marketing guidance for attendees.
Microsoft and Software as a Service: Boom or Doom for MSPs?
Posted March 21st, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
I’ve been a big critic of Windows Vista. I’ve complained that Microsoft’s products are too bloated for the Web 2.0 world. But as Microsoft pushes deeper into Software as a Service (SaaS) and managed services, I’m amazed by all the Microsoft partners who are expressing fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD) about the effort.
Microsoft, N-able Partner on Managed Services
Posted March 17th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Microsoft. It’s one of the few companies that could potentially change the managed services competitive landscape overnight.
Windows Server Managed Services: An Interesting Spin from iYogi
Posted March 10th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Microsoft recently launched Windows Server 2008, yet iYogi — a managed service provider — just announced remote support services for Windows Server 2003. Are they too late to the market? Perhaps not. Instead of embracing “what’s new,” iYogi is wisely targeting a massive installed base with an aggressive price point. Here’s the scoop.
The iPhone Meets Managed Services
Posted March 9th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
It took nearly a year, but managed service providers are finally announcing clear strategies to support Apple’s iPhone with hosted email services. One prime example: SherWeb, an MSP that hosts Microsoft Exchange Server and BlackBerry Enterprise Server, says it plans to support iPhone synchronization with Exchange Server. It’s the first of many iPhone-related announcements MSPmentor expects to hear from MSPs in the next few months.
IBM, Seagate Push Deeper Into Managed Services
Posted December 7th, 2007 by Joe Panettieri
Byte and Switch, a web site that covers storage and networking, offers interesting perspective on recent acquisitions at IBM and Seagate. The IBM deal (acquiring Arsenal Digital) and Seagate’s move (buying MetaLINCS) both have strong managed services angles, according to the site. Surprised? You shouldn’t be.
Open Source Desktops Meet Managed Services
Posted November 30th, 2007 by Joe Panettieri
So, you’re thinking about offering managed hardware as part of a monthly service contract. Before you make the move, consider this: Perhaps it’s time to take a close look at open source desktops (particularly Ubuntu Linux running OpenOffice) as an option for your customers. Here’s why.
Seven Lessons From the Dell-Everdream Deal
Posted November 15th, 2007 by Joe Panettieri
As you likely heard, Dell is acquiring Everdream, the software-as-a-service and managed service platform provider. I firmly believe this will be part of a growing trend in 2008. Here are seven key lessons and considerations to keep in mind as Dell digests Everdream.
