Eucalyptus Continues Private Cloud Momentum

eucalyptus_logo_awhBack in October 2009, I wrote a bit about Eucalyptus Systems — which develops open-source cloud computing software. In some ways, it’s positioned as an open, private cloud alternative to Amazon Web Services. Fast forward to the present, and Eucalyptus seems to be showing some momentum. Here’s an update, including perspectives from Eucalyptus CTO and co-founder Rich Wolski.

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Eucalyptus: Another Cloud Effort Worth Watching

We’ve already conceded that most MSPmentor readers have yet to try major clouds like Amazon Web Services. But if you’re just starting to give Amazon a look you might also want to keep one eye on Eucalyptus Systems Inc. — an open source system for private and hybrid clouds. Here’s why.

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When Managed Services Fail…

Apple Store Genius BarMonday at 9:15 a.m. eastern, I will find out whether this is going to be a good week or a bad week. My MacBook Pro died on Sunday. My brother in law — a managed service provider who takes care of Apple servers — tried a range of remote trouble-shooting tools but couldn’t revive the system. Now, my best (and last) hope is break-fix support from the Apple Store’s Genius Bar on Monday morning. But I’m not in panic mode.

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MSPmentor Launches Sister Web Site Called “Works With U”

Works With UForgive me for going slightly off topic. I have some news to share: MSPmentor has a new sister Web site. It’s called Works With U, and it covers an emerging, disruptive Linux distribution called Ubuntu.

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Sun Launches Software as a Service Blitz

Sun made a major software as a service (SaaS) announcement today involving the Solaris operating system. But I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. There’s a high probability, I believe, that Sun will rapidly expand its SaaS efforts to include the MySQL database (near term) and potentially Ubuntu Linux (long term). Here’s why managed service providers should care.

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Network Security Converges With Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu, the fastest-growing version of Linux, is starting to attract interest from the managed services industry. One prime example: Untangle, which develops security solutions for managed service providers, is preparing to add support for Ubuntu within the next few months, MSPmentor has learned.

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Virtualization Meets Managed Services

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.

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Open Source Desktops Meet Managed Services

Ubuntu PCSo, 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.

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Open Source Meets Managed Services

Sometimes I just can’t let go of a hunch. For a few weeks now, I’ve been asking MSP platform providers if they would ever open source their software. The open source approach, as you likely know, would allow customers and VARs to add incremental value to MSP software components.

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