I just spotted this on The Wall Street Journal’s Business Technology blog:
In a study released Wednesday by the University of San Francisco, Mark Cannice, founder of USF’s Entrepreneurship Program, found that venture capitalists’ confidence is at its lowest level since the university began surveying venture investors in 2004.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean bad news for the managed services industry. Here’s why.
The Wall Street Journal’s Independent Street blog recently carried an item about getting employees to think like entrepreneurs. The keys are to:
Those are all worthy ideas. But a fundamental piece is missing. Step Six: The top-down piece. Here’s what I mean. Read More >
It’s the ultimate sign of confidence in the managed services market. Amid the continuing economic turmoil and credit crunch, Goldman Sachs and several other firms have invested $12 million in Nimsoft – one of the software sector’s fastest-growing companies and a key player in the managed services industry.
Goldman Sachs has been keeping a close eye on the managed services market in recent months. Here’s the scoop.
Who runs the top managed services software companies? Who oversees Software as a Service (SaaS) at Amazon.com? Where can I find a partner involved in hosted Microsoft applications?
If you’re seeking to network fast in the managed services market, take a minute to skim our MSPmentor 250 list, which identifies 250 of the world’s top MSP entrepreneurs, experts and executives.
You can also download the complete MSPmentor 250 report (free registration required). The comprehensive report includes brief executive bios and general contact information (web site and switchboard phone number) for every person on the list.
The evil-hearted Mr. Burns of Simpson’s fame once quipped “One dollar for eternal happiness? I’d be happier with the dollar.”
As funny as this line is, it underscores an important business reality — at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how good your offering is, what matters is how much people are willing to pay for it. The same is true for Managed Services. So how do MSPs optimally price their offering? Below are a few simple guidelines to help you coax that dollar out of Mr. Burns’ stingy pocket. Read More >
Evolve IP, a managed service provider in Wayne, Pa., just made my “watch” list. Evolve says it has lined up more than 100 new customers since launching its managed technology services operations roughly 180 days ago. Read More >
Managed service providers are feeling pretty darn good about their business prospects. And many pundits say MSPs are immune to the economic slowdown.
But remember: Not even the best-run companies are safe from the current credit crunch. A case in point: Look at how the credit crunch has impacted Caterpillar, the big, highly profitable industrial machine maker. Read More >
At first glance, franchises are for fast food and retail stores. But franchises are popping up in the managed services market, and quite a few are successful.
Still, franchises aren’t for everyone. I had lunch the other day with a franchise consultant who helps people find a franchise that’s right for them. Here are some key thoughts from the conversation. Read More >
