Geeks On Call apparently has overhauled its IT services franchising model. At its height in 2007, Geeks on Call claims it had more than 300 IT services franchises across the United States. But by 2009, the company fell off a cliff and SEC filings revealed deep financial problems. But by late 2010, there were signs that new owner Glenn Davis was overhauling Geeks on Call. Fast forward to the present and Geeks On Call is introducing a new IT services franchising model. Will VARs and MSPs give it a look?
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Geeks on Call: Making an IT Services Franchise Comeback?
Posted September 12th, 2011 by Joe Panettieri
Managed Services Franchises: The Launch Pad Seeks SMB Partners
Posted April 28th, 2011 by Nicholas Mukhar
The Launch Pad is seeking VARs and MSPs to become managed services franchises. The company, based in Tampa, Fla., is leveraging ConnectWise, QuoteWerks, Zenith Infotech and other managed services platforms to help franchise MSPs promote “business in a box” solutions to SMB customers. We’re intrigued but we’re also curious about the larger question: Are managed services franchises taking off in North America? Here’s some perspective.
Seven Managed Services Blogs MSPmentor Didn’t Write: April 1
Posted April 1st, 2011 by Joe Panettieri
I can nearly see the finish line… another business week has nearly ended. But before I sign off, here are seven managed services blogs the MSPmentor team didn’t have a chance to write for the week ending April 1, 2011. And of course: We’ll be back online if any big managed services news breaks. In the meantime, here’s that list…
Managed Services Acquisition: mindSHIFT Buys ORBIT Systems
Posted February 8th, 2011 by Joe Panettieri
Say hello to the ninth managed services acquisition that MSPmentor has spotted so far in 2011. The latest deal involves mindSHIFT Technologies — a perennial MSPmentor 100 company — acquiring ORBIT Systems, a managed services provider (MSP) in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. This is mindSHIFT’s second MSP-related acquisition of 2011. Here are some initial details.
MSPAlliance Launches Angel Investors Group to Fund MSPs
Posted October 5th, 2010 by Joe Panettieri
The MSPAlliance has launched an Angels Network, which the association calls a “unique community that will connect early-stage Managed Service Providers (MSPs) with potential investment opportunities.” Details about the angels network are expected to surface at this week’s MSPWorld conference in Los Angeles. Here’s what the MSPAlliance has said so far, plus some MSPmentor perspectives.
Managed Services Merger Targets Charlotte, N.C.
Posted September 23rd, 2010 by Joe Panettieri
Waypoint Solutions Group continues to expand its geographic reach through merger and acquisition deals. The latest agreement involves Waypoint merging with Charlotte Techsupport LLC, which has The combined companies will operate as Waypoint, with former Charlotte Techsupport President Tony Shannon joining Waypoint as VP, focused on business development and client relationships. Here’s a closer look at Waypoint’s strategy.
New Consulting Firms Help MSPs With Marketing, Sales and M&A
Posted September 21st, 2010 by Joe Panettieri
The managed services gold rush has created a cottage industry of consultants and organizations that are assisting MSPs with marketing, sales, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic business tasks. Three recent examples include MSPexcellence, MSPXchange and Ulistic’s MSP Marketing initiative. Here’s a closer look at each organization and its backers, plus a broader update on the coaches and pundits assisting MSPs with their business efforts.
Seven Managed Services Blogs MSPmentor Didn’t Write: July 30
Posted July 30th, 2010 by Joe Panettieri
This week gave new meaning to the term “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” My flight home to New York from Denver got re-routed to Pittsburgh for a range of reasons. I wound driving home from The Steel City. Now, it’s nearly time for some family time. But first: Here are seven managed services blog entries MSPmentor’s team didn’t have a chance to write for the week ending July 30, 2010.
Kaseya Connect User Conference: 5 Day One Highlights
Posted June 2nd, 2010 by Joe Panettieri
The Kaseya Connect User Conference started yesterday (June 1) with an expansive panel, a poolside party and plenty of back-room chatter. Here are five key takeaways and highlights from Day One at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas.
The Utility Company Attracts $1 Million In Funding
Posted March 16th, 2010 by Joe Panettieri
Call it a small step for the managed services market, but a significant move for the Utility Company. The Master MSP, which works with a range of managed services providers, has attracted $1 million in financing, led by BDC Capital Inc. The Utility Company plans to use the money for a mid-market push, among other things. Here are the details.
Seven Managed Services Blogs We Didn’t Write: Feb. 5
Posted February 5th, 2010 by Joe Panettieri
Forgive me for being distracted (again). Our team is busy polishing and posting the MSPmentor 100 report onto a hidden section of our website. The complete report debuts Feb. 10, shortly after a webcast on the topic. In the meantime, here are seven managed services blog entries our team didn’t have the time to write for the week ending Feb. 5, 2010.
Seven Managed Services Blog Entries We Didn’t Write: Dec. 31
Posted December 31st, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Site upgrades. Software debugging. Santa. It’s been an intense week of fun and play at MSPmentor. Here’s a look at the seven managed services blog entries we didn’t have a chance to write for the week ending Dec. 31, 2009:
Seven Managed Services Blog Entries I Didn’t Have Time to Write: Sept. 25
Posted September 25th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Another week of travel is over. Amy Katz (my business partner) and I spent much of the week in Boston at meetings. Great conversations. But my inbox is filled with news tips and chatter that I haven’t had a chance to cover yet. So, here are the seven managed services blog entries I didn’t have time to write for the week ending Sept. 25.
Managed Print Services: 7 Out of 10 MSPs Showing Interest
Posted March 30th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Nearly 40 percent of managed service providers already offer some form of managed print services, with an additional 34 percent of MSPs formulating managed print strategies now, according to MSPmentor’s weekly reader poll. Here’s a look at the stats.
Managed Print Services: Six Signs of Growth
Posted March 19th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
After several false starts, the managed print services (MPS) market seems to be reaching a tipping point. Skeptical? Consider these six signs of momentum from Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Ingram Micro, Photizo Group, The Utility Company and Xerox.
Managed Services Franchise Continues Growth
Posted March 19th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
The franchise model continues to show momentum in certain sectors of the managed services market. TeamLogic IT, which blends managed services with a nationwide network of IT franchises, has landed on Franchise Times’ list of Fast 55 companies. TeamLogic IT isn’t alone in the MSP franchise market.
MSP and SAS 70 Certifications Gain Momentum
Posted March 11th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
What’s the difference between managed services accreditation and certification? The former is for companies, the latter is for individuals — and soon the MSPAlliance will offer both options for managed service providers. Meanwhile, numerous data center providers are completing SAS 70 audits as well.
MSP Franchises: 8 Secrets to Success
Posted February 23rd, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
As businesses like The Utility Company continue to promote managed services franchises, I noticed these eight tips to franchise success from Entrepreneur.com. The article, written for all types of business owners (not just MSPs), helps you to determine if you’d thrive within the franchise business model. Frankly, I’m not sure I’m franchise material. Here’s why.
The Utility Company: Entrepreneur Magazine Recognizes MSP Franchise Model
Posted January 28th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
The Utility Company, launched in 2006 by former N-able CEO Mark Scott (pictured), has landed in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 edition. The news solidifies The Utility Company’s strategy to build a network of managed services franchises across North America.
Managed Services Franchises Explained
Posted December 10th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
How does a managed services franchise work? I posed that question to Jason Creally, VP of sales at The Utility Company, during a late-afternoon meeting on December 9. Creally walked me and Amy Katz (my business partner) through The Utility Company’s business model — which extends managed services out to more than 60 IT service provider franchisees across North America.
Ottawa, Canada: Managed Services Central?
Posted December 9th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
I’m in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada today visiting a few companies that specialize in managed services software. As you may know, Ottawa is a hotbed of managed services activity. Level Platforms, MSP Partners, N-able and The Utility Company are all headquartered here. (If you’re based in Ottawa and have an MSP focus, let me know and I’ll add you to our radar.)
The Utility Company Franchisees Gain Some MSPAlliance Member Benefits
Posted October 6th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
The MSPAlliance and The Utility Company, which specializes in managed services franchises, have inked a partnership. The agreement extends certain MSPAlliance benefits to Utility Service Provider franchisees.
Update: NetEnrich, Level Platforms Reinforce the Master MSP Model
Posted April 25th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Do IT Smarter is doing it. Ingram Micro Seismic is doing it. The Utility Company is doing it. And now NetEnrich is doing it. I’m referring to the increasingly popular “Master MSP” business model, where VARs leverage software as a service (SaaS), and a third-party partner hosts and coordinates the VAR’s managed services platforms.
