MSPmentor

Tech Data has partnered with IBM Global Financing to offer managed service providers financing for deals valued at as little as $1,000.

On the one hand, VARs can pay little — or nothing — up front when working with hosted MSP platforms, frequently known as the Master MSP model. But on the other hand, many solutions providers continue to license and deploy MSP platforms within their own network operation centers. In that scenario, Tech Data and IBM may stand ready to assist.

Here’s how the financing program works.

Read More >

Tech Data has announced several new steps in its managed services efforts — including expanded initiatives with Advanced Technology Services and Zenith Infotech.

It’s good to see distributors offering “choice” to VARs and aspiring MSPs. But VARs will also need extra hand holding as they evaluate their MSP platform options. Here’s why, along with a closer look at Tech Data’s moves.

Read More >

Tech Data, the big IT distributor, is particularly active today. The company is hitting the wires with three VAR- and MSP-related announcements. I hear more news related to managed service providers could be coming in the next few days.

In the meantime, Tech Data is promoting several partner-centric milestones, including the fact that the company’s lead generation tool — MyOpportunityTracker–has funneled more than 240,000 sales leads to partners. Here’s a closer look at some of the Tech Data news, and its implications for managed service providers. 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 >