A quick observation: Pointivity, which specializes in application hosting, managed services and cloud computing, has signed on to leverage Parallels virtualization software in the company’s data center.
This is the latest example of a managed service provider profiting from virtualization solutions. Virtulization was a big topic of discussion during the ConnectWise Partner Summit, and recent research suggests MSPs that offer virtualization services are growing rapidly.
I asked several managed service providers yesterday whether their customers were interested in Macs and Linux as secure, easy-to-manage alternatives to Windows PCs. The answer was a resounding “no.” Instead, the MSPs said, many of their customers are willing to virtualize their desktops, shifting most applications up to a server.
The discussion points, which surprised me a bit, occurred during the Ingram Micro Seismic partner conference in Chicago. Here are more details.
Many VARs get certified for vendor-specific technology (Microsoft, Cisco, etc.). But a new wave of certifications and accreditations — focused on the managed service provider and software as a service (SaaS) markets — is emerging.
Certifications can help customers to find top-notch partners, and it potentially helps to weed weaker service providers out of the market.
But certifications and accreditations also introduce a new challenge: Small VARs and solutions providers that are just getting started in the managed services industry may not be able to afford certification fees. As an industry, we certainly don’t want to create a new digital divide — where deep-pocketed MSPs can afford certification but savvy startups can’t.
So, what’s the solution? Here are some thoughts, and I’d welcome yours as well. Read More >
In the world of journalism, there’s an old saying: “Three’s a trend.” I thought of that truism this morning when I learned Tech Data plans to offer VMware to its resellers. Managed service providers should take note. In addition to Tech Data, at least two MSP platform providers are striving to help VARs more effectively manage virtualized servers.
You should expect a steady stream of virtualization-related MSP news over the next few weeks and months. Even though VMware sales recently fell short of Wall Street’s aggressive expectations, demand for virtualized servers and even desktops continues to grow rapidly. The virtualization craze has triggered new opportunities — and challenges — for MSPs and their customers. Read More >
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