Paragent, a start-up that marries open source with managed services, is turning heads at the DEMOfall show — an invite-only event that can make-or-break a software company’s business. Paragent’s involvement in DEMOfall shows just how far the managed services industry has come. And it reinforces the untapped potential of managed services.
But Paragent could also disrupt the MSP industry. Here’s why. Read More >
Untangle, the open source security specialist, has released the results of its benchmark study for managed service providers. The study, the latest in a growing list of MSP-oriented research, features several key findings. Here’s a look at the survey results, based on responses from more than 200 MSPs in the United States. Read More >
N-able has inked a security-related managed services partnership with Untangle. But I believe there’s a bigger trend here.
Untangle has a strong position in the open source industry. That position is prompting MSP platform providers — N-able, Level Platforms, Kaseya and others — to evaluate their definition of “open” platforms, and (in some cases…) their potential use of open source software.
The MSPAlliance held its Managed Services Summit earlier this week in Framingham, Mass. Although I didn’t attend the event, I interviewed a few attendees and vendors to get a feel for their top priorities in the months ahead. Here are seven key trends I heard about:
As I was scanning a few of my favorite blogs, I noticed CNet writing a bit about Untangle — the open source security gateway provider.
Untangle, as MSPmentor readers know, has gained some momentum with managed service providers. But CNet’s blog, The Open Road, takes a closer look and tracks Untangle’s successful transformation from a proprietary software provider into an open source specialist. Here’s what CNet had to say.
This is the latest indication that open source truly has penetrated the managed services and SaaS (software as a service) markets. Here’s an earlier piece I wrote about open source converging with managed services. I think the trend continues to accelerate because savvy MSPs can “get under the hood” and truly customize open source to fit their needs.
The convergence of open source with managed services and software as a service (SaaS) continues. The latest example: Red Hat, arguably the world’s best-known open source company, has created two staff positions to serve hosting partners. Plus, Red Hat is evaluating a strategy to work more closely with managed service providers, MSPmentor has learned. Here’s the scoop. Read More >
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.
For MSPs, leveraging open source provides some cost-effective ways to introduce new services while connecting with fast-growing developer communities.
Here’s some more background on Ubuntu, along with emerging details about Untangle’s strategy for the operating system. Read More >
MSP Alliance President Charles Weaver spent some time telling me about the organization’s new accreditation program during a conference last month. Sounds like the program is gaining some traction.
So far, eight vendors have received the accreditation, including Asigra, Dell/SilverBack, Do IT Smarter, Intel, LiveCargo, N-able, Untangle and XRoads Networks, according to Web Host Industry News. Roughly 50 vendors are on track to receive the accreditation by the close of 2007, Weaver told WHIN. So what’s the upside for managed service providers? The accreditation appears to offer four clear benefits to MSPs and their customers. Read More >
