Managed Services

Reports: Enterprises Embracing BYOD Trend (0) May 16, 2012 Enterprise organizations have moved well past the acceptance phase to embrace the BYOD trend, creating swaths of opportunity for the channel to create holistic and scalable mobile security policies and management services for their customers.
Managed Print and Trickle-down Economics (2) May 15, 2012 Printer vendors are pushing their managed print services (MPS) hard to what is often a reluctant market. Could the secret to managed print finally taking off be a trickle-down effect from large enterprises and organizations adopting first and inspiring SMBs to follow?
Cloud EMRs Entice Healthcare Providers (0) May 14, 2012 A study finds SaaS EMRs are increasingly attractive offerings for healthcare organizations because of their ease of use and cost-effectiveness. This opens opportunities for partners to expand practices in healthcare security arenas.
Amazon Welcomes SQL, .NET ISVs to AWS (0) May 11, 2012 Amazon launches support for SQL Server and ASP .NET to Amazon Web Services, inviting a world of Windows developers to take advantage of Amazon's cloud capabilities.
Automation: The Path to MSPs Relevancy (0) May 11, 2012 Managed services was once billed as the best means for VARs to create predictable revenue and maintain their relevancy. A lot has happened since the dawn of the managed services era. Established MSPs are struggling to keep up with the pace of change and countering disruptive forces. The culprit and solution: automation.
The HP Cloud Arrives For Open Beta (0) May 10, 2012 HP finally unleashes the HP Cloud, a public beta of its cloud infrastructure platform to compete with the likes of Amazon and Rackspace. How will HP's public and open beta help build success for the budding cloud platform?
6fusion Moves Closer To Hypervisor Agnosticism (0) May 10, 2012 6fusion introduces open-source Xen and Citrix Xen support to the UC6 cloud management platform, allowing IT admins and MSPs to mitigate the headaches associated with multiple hypervisor environments and obviate vendor lock-in.
How Wyse's New Moves Benefit Dell (0) May 10, 2012 Wyse's new thin client and MDM solutions will provide a considerable bump to Dell, giving it a new competitive edge in the virtualization and enterprise space. Will Dell ultimately compete at the same level as HP, IBM and Oracle?
Cisco Study: Companies Fear Cloud Migration (0) May 9, 2012 A Cisco cloud migration study found that a significant number of IT decision-makers are stymied to overcome infrastructure hurdles when embarking on cloud migration projects, leaving a wide-open gap for the channel to address an anticipated slew of networking, security and configuration challenges.
Motorola Launches WLAN Cloud Service (0) May 9, 2012 Motorola Solutions is looking to empower partners with new tools for optimizing and securing business wireless networks with a new cloud-based service. The service is intended to insure businesses increasingly dependent upon cloud and mobile device have quality wireless network connectivity.
HP Plays Offense With Avnet, F5 Networks (0) May 9, 2012 HP teams up with Avnet to provide reseller access to Avnet's Data Center Lifecycle services. HP strengthens its existing networking portfolio with F5 Networks, bringing automated application optimization to HP's enterprise partners.
WatchGuard Offers Virtual Product Lines (0) May 8, 2012 WatchGuard Technologies is tackling the virtualization space head on with an all out virtual revamp of its product lines--a move that could potentially attract new channel blood and give it a bit of a leg up over competing UTM vendors.
Unisys Unveils Security Suite, Partner Program (0) May 7, 2012 Unisys is making a bit of an about face by bulking up its channel team that paves the way for launch of its new partner program and expansion of its customer base for the release of its new Stealth Solution security suite.
Rethinking Differentiation Among VARs (1) May 7, 2012 The onset of new technologies is opening vast new opportunities for solution providers, managed service providers and systems integrators. The opportunity goes beyond just cloud computing. It's about building portfolios of services, products and values that provide a new level of differentiation from the conventional VAR of yesteryear.
Riverbed Offers Cost-Effective WAN Optimization (1) May 4, 2012 Riverbed launches the Steelhead 150 as a cost-effective physical or virtual WAN optimization appliance for small branch offices and the SMB. Cloud service providers may start adopting more optimization appliances, especially amid Riverbed's vCloud Connector partnership with VMware.
GFI Brings MSPs Managed Backup (0) May 4, 2012 GFI MAX Managed Online Backup is designed to provide MSPs with a 'business-class' backup solution that is easy to deploy and manage. Dr. Alistair Forbes discusses GFI's channel focus.
Sprint Picks Zenprise for MDM Service (0) May 4, 2012 Sprint’s selection of Zenprise MobileManager for its new mobile device management service offering reflects the growing need and demand for enterprise-class management and security of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. It’s another sign the channel needs to step up MDM adoption.
Managed Print Takes Flight at Boeing (0) May 3, 2012 Xerox inks a deal to provide managed print services to aircraft manufacturing giant Boeing. The engagement, through Xerox’s Enterprise Print Services, will consolidate Boeing’s document management to save costs and improve productivity. Is managed print finally turning the page in terms of viability?
Cloud Services Can Eliminate IT Staff Risks (0) May 3, 2012 The Wall Street Journal suggest big companies are scrutinizing IT staff to weed out would-be hackers and data thieves. But a simple fix is already available: By outsourcing IT to the channel, the threat of rogue IT admins can be eliminated.
theCloud, ScaleXtreme Launch vCloud Partnership (0) May 3, 2012 ScaleXtreme's cloud automation services joins up with theCloud's hosting services, signalling that collaborations between cloud companies may become more commonplace in the not-to-distant future.
Why Not Even The Channel Can Save RIM (1) May 2, 2012 RIM unleashes a BlackBerry 10 prototype device to developers in an effort to spur application development, which in turn, could spur adoption whenever a finalized device is released. But RIM is late to a game they are already losing, missing out on a golden opportunity to leverage the BYOD channel trend as a vehicle for success.
Quest Software Boasts Robust Migration Services (0) May 1, 2012 Quest Software announces itself as a leading provider of Microsoft Office 365 migration. Are Quest Software's moves indicative of a recent change from public to private company or a company moving to cloud services? Or both?
Ingram Micro Cloud Summit: Focus On Services (0) May 1, 2012 Ingram Micro launches their third annual Cloud Summit. This year, Ingram Micro will focus heavily on how cloud technologies can help MSPs build their services up and out.
Zenith Infotech Launches Low-Cost Private Cloud (1) April 30, 2012 Embattled Zenith Infotech launches a new cloud infrastructure and backup service built on Intel and Microsoft technology that reportedly costs 70 percent less than comparable offerings. The new service is the result of a $38 million development project and comes as the company battles creditors over a $85 million debt default.
Enterasys MDM: One Appliance to Rule Them All (0) April 30, 2012 Enterasys introduces the Mobile Identity and Access Manager appliance, offering granular MDM controls based on 50 unique attributes. With a virtual appliance option and cloud-based controls, will this be the style of MDM to dominate the future?
ePlus Expands into Video Managed Services (0) April 27, 2012 ePlus Technology, an integration and services company, is expanding its portfolio to include video managed services for collaboration and conferencing. It’s a good example of a solution provider filling the skills gaps in the marketplace.
OS33 Introduces MSP Cloud Initiative (0) April 26, 2012 In an effort to bring more MSPs into the cloud services fold, OS33 has opened up the ability for "Master MSPs" to resell services and infrastructure to smaller MSPs, in an effort to generate additional revenue and expand the reach of cloud services.
OKI Data Expands Total Managed Print to Canada (0) April 26, 2012 OKI Data expands its cloud-based managed print services offering, Total Managed Print portal, into the Canadian marketplace. As managed print grows in the cloud, will it become part of larger cloud stacks?
'Managed Services' Has Different Cloud Meaning (1) April 23, 2012 IT vendors and cloud service providers are talking up managed services as their preferred partnership model going forward in the cloud. This may sound like good news to the legions of MSPs in the channel. Trouble is, they’re not talking about that kind of managed services.
Earnings Quick Look: IBM, Intel and Microsoft (0) April 20, 2012 IBM, Intel and Microsoft post their quarterly earnings. What can we glean from the facts and figures and where are these companies headed?
The 21st Century Malware Malady (1) April 20, 2012 The ever-evolving threats of the 21st century require us to change the way we look at security. The channel has the potential to keep the entire world on lock down.
Amazon Doubles Down In The Cloud With APN (0) April 20, 2012 Amazon's new Partner Network Beta and Amazon Web Services Marketplace puts Amazon in the position to reach into the cloud marketplace using a two-pronged attack, both direct and with partners.
N-able's New RMM Offers MSPs Insight (0) April 19, 2012 N-able launches Report Manager 3.2, brining enhanced RMM tools to the MSP community. As SaaS and cloud offerings become more complex, RMM tools will need to follow suit.
TCI Building Network to Complement Porfolio (0) April 17, 2012 Technology Capital Investors is augmenting its portfolio of managed services and integrators with a network of complementary service providers across the country. The collaborative partner network could form a farm league of potential acquisitions for the private equity firm.
DataMotion Launches Compliance-Ready PaaS (0) April 16, 2012 DataMotion's new PaaS offering brings pay-as-you-go compliance to a wide range of data center systems. Will compliance needs soon become de facto check-box features?
LabTech Releases 2012 Updated RMM Platform (0) April 16, 2012 LabTech Software unveils its 2012 remote monitoring and management platform, which features mobile device management capabilities, out-of-the-box ease of deployment and new reporting tools.
Microsoft Realigns Cloud Certifications (0) April 11, 2012 Microsoft launches three new of cloud certifications designed to focus on "real-world" solutions for the cloud. Microsoft believes they can spur smarter and more advanced cloud adoption.
IBM Introduces PureSystems Family (0) April 11, 2012 IBM launches the PureSystems Family, converging virtualization, cloud services, storage and networking into one unit. IBM's Mark Hennessy discusses the new systems and channel implications.
HP Offers Converged Cloud For Enterprise (0) April 11, 2012 HP launches a huge conglomerated portfolio of managed cloud services dubbed HP Converged Cloud. It's aimed specifically at growing enterprise businesses, but will the channel come out and play?
Best Buy Reorganizes As CEO Resigns (2) April 10, 2012 Best Buy's CEO Brian Dunn resigns as internal company reorganizations adapt to the digital world. Will Best Buy find new profitability through systems integration services in the channel?
CA Brings Backup to Ingram Micro Cloud (0) April 6, 2012 CA Technologies brings MSP licensing models and ARCserve D2D On Demand to the Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace. Will distribution companies become arbiters of all cloud services?
Google Taps MSPexcellence for Enablement (0) April 5, 2012 Google Apps partners with MSPexcellence for the Cloud Solutions Provider (CSP) program, designed to help Google Apps resellers and MSPs become CPSs, with Google Apps driving the heart of business revenue.
6fusion Continues To Fuse Cloud With Channel (0) April 3, 2012 6fusion looks to capture a larger segment of the enterprise with a new VAR-centric cloud program, in addition to a new MSP program designed to streamline MSP implementation of public and hybrid IaaS services.
N-able N-sists N-central 8.2 Is Best Yet (0) April 3, 2012 N-Able launches N-central 8.2, promising simple and enhanced functionality, plus new backup and remote management capabilities. N-able is calling 8.2 a "partner-lead" release, but does it deliver?
OS33 Looks to Unify Cloud Management (0) April 3, 2012 OS33 introduces a new "Webtop" unified portal for the consumption, reporting and billing of multi-vendor cloud solutions, making it easier for MSPs to manage their customers' resources while handling the onslaught of SaaS.
Samsung Fashions Managed Print Initiative (1) March 29, 2012 Samsung has a new managed print services reseller program fueled by vendor partner solutions – and aimed to compete with Xerox, Oki Data and Lexmark – to convert a still-not-convinced channel that MPS is a money maker.
Virtual Firewall Support with MSPs in Mind (1) March 28, 2012 Targeting an increasing number of MSPs working with next-generation firewalls, ManageEngine is bulking up its firewall log analysis software with support for virtual firewall market competitors Cisco, Check Point and Fortinet.
nCircle Launches MSSP Program (0) March 28, 2012 Information risk and compliance firm nCircle is hoping to drive new revenue streams for its partners, add new clients and increase customer retention with the launch of a new MSSP program around its PureCloud vulnerability scanning service.
Quest's New PacketTrap Integrates RMM, PSA (1) March 22, 2012 Quest Software is looking to disrupt the conventional managed services market with the release of its new remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool, PacketTrap 6.2, which boast deep integration with the company’s newly acquired professional services and automation (PSA) platform. The move may not pose a challenge to ConnectWise and Autotask.
Zenith Infotech Begins Selling Telepresence (0) March 21, 2012 Zenith Infotech has said it shed its managed services business to focus on cloud and backup services. However, it’s quietly started selling the video conferencing and telepresence products of its sister company, Vu Technologies. The cross-selling comes as the company is fighting to stave off liquidation in an India court battle.
Xerox Leads Managed Print Market (0) March 21, 2012 A new report by IDC place Xerox atop of crowded field of printer vendors plying the managed print service segment. While MPS is growing, the adoption curve is still shallow and slow, reflecting the market’s reluctance to support printing as a service.
Level Platforms Brings MDM to MSPs (0) March 20, 2012 Level Platforms reports positive response to its Managed Workplace 2012, particularly among managed service providers interested in new capabilities such as mobile device management for the growing fleet of smartphones and tablets.
HP, Lenovo Extend PC Managed Services (1) March 13, 2012 The two PC giants are extending their capabilities through partnerships to deploy, provision and manage PCs in business environments. HP is working with LANDesk, while Lenovo is pairing up with BMC Software. The two initiatives reflect the accelerating automation trend.
NetEnrich Focuses on Mid-market Opportunities (0) March 6, 2012 Seeing capacity and capabilities gaps in the mid-market segment of the channel and end-user markets, NetEnrich crafted a new Mission Critical Operations package that provides infrastructure, applications and professional services as a remotely delivered and managed service.
Autotask Ties Up with Cisco OnPlus Service (2) March 1, 2012 Autotask is integrating its professional services automation software platform with with Cisco’s hosted network management service, OnPlus. The alliance will make it easier for managed service providers to resell and support OnPlus accounts, and make it easier for Cisco to penetrate the managed services market.
Creditors Want Zenith Infotech to Liquidate (0) February 27, 2012 Bondholders suing Zenith Infotech want the cloud and backup company liquidated to pay off nearly $85 million in defaulted debt payments. The India-based company, with its substantial U.S. partner network, maintains that it wants to renegotiate the debt.
Continuum Hits the Road, Inks Deal with LogMeIn (0) February 24, 2012 Continuum is charting a clearer market path this week via an exclusive deal with LogMeIn, and in-person partner meetings offering introductory trials on existing solutions and a sneak peak at what’s next.
FishNet Takes SIEM to the Cloud (0) February 17, 2012 Integrator FishNet Security is launching a new security service that combines security information management with other leading data integrity and monitoring technologies to provide a comprehensive, enterprise-class managed service.
Quest’s Quest for Complete Managed Services (0) February 17, 2012 Quest Software is adding professional services automation (PSA) capabilities to its PacketTrap managed services platform through the acquisition of BlueFolder. The intent is to build a more complete managed services offering by merging PSA with RMM. The deal reveals divergent trends in the managed services approach.
Two MSP Buyouts Reveal Divergent Trends (0) February 15, 2012 Technology Capital Investors bought another regional managed services company this week, Savid Technologies. All Covered, a division of Konica Minolta, likewise bought regional MSP Service Assurance. The two deals look similar from a technology and service area perspective, but differ in the end goal. And that reveals two trends in managed services consolidation.
Cloud Heating Up Security Competition (1) January 30, 2012 McAfee is emphatically denying rival Symantec’s claims of winning over several large enterprise customers in the last quarter. The truth is that security vendors and their partners are constantly trading customers in a tit-for-tat competitive game that's only getting more intense as the battleground shifts to the cloud.
Level Platforms Gets into NOC Business (0) January 24, 2012 Level Platforms, the company best known for providing the remote control tools that enable managed services, is evolving to provide network operations center and comprehensive help desk services. The move will enhance its software offerings, as well as place it in direct competition with some managed services allies.
Konica Minolta Jumps into Managed Services (0) January 17, 2012 Konica Minolta is joining Xerox and Oki Data in the managed print services field. Its new managed IT and managed print services have high ambitions for growth through its dealer and partner community.
Xerox Makes Major Move in Managed Print (0) January 6, 2012 Xerox’s acquisition of a Canadian managed print services provider kicks off what is predicted to be a competitive, breakout year for MPS vendors and channel partners – in a market IDC has predicted will steadily climb to $42 billion globally by 2014.
Channelnomics 2011 Influencers Awards: Part 3 (1) January 5, 2012 The influencer awards continue to roll out with winners today in Systems, Security, Managed Services and Cloud Computing. Winners in these categories are doing more than just influencing the channel, but the industry as a whole, making this installment significant in the march to the unveiling of the Influencer of the Year.
Channelnomics 2011 Influencers Awards: Part 2 (9) January 4, 2012 Channelnomics continues conferring its inaugural 2011 Influencers of the Year awards by unveiling winners in four categories: Distribution, Europe, Voice/Data Networking and Channel Business.
MSP M&A Surge Driven by Taxes, Not Market (1) January 4, 2012 Several managed services mergers and acquisitions have heralded in the new year, perhaps signaling a surge in deals and buyouts. The reality is these deals were signed in December and are part of an annual rite of cashing out and buying up before the end of the tax year.
The Plague of Artificial Commoditization (3) December 28, 2011 Managed services was supposed to provide persistent and consistent high margins to offset the declining profitability of conventional hardware and software. Poor practices have created a climate of “artificial commodization,” in which service providers are contributing to the expedited demise of managed services profitability. 2112’s new report provides the prescription for countering this trend.
Channel Essential to Managed Print Development (0) December 27, 2011 Channel significance is peppered throughout IDC’s annual analysis of top global managed print services providers, specifically in language used to describe offerings and models finding the most success—vertical expertise, document workflow, business process, scale, consultative, streamline, mobile, security, and global support.
Autotask Sells VARStreet Service Division (0) December 22, 2011 Professional services automation vendor Autotask is selling the VARStreet quoting and eCommerce business it bought two years ago back to the division's key employees. The sale marks the end to what was once called “a game changer” and singles Autotask’s need to focus on core products and open architectures to remain competitive.
OKI, Agiliant Expand Managed Services Universe (0) December 20, 2011 The integration of managed network and print services solutions in the recent OKI Data/Agiliant alliance offers additional sales opportunities for the Business Technology Association channel, and is the latest in Agiliant’s late-2011 dive into the document services arena.
The Rising Next-Gen Firewall Opportunity (2) December 16, 2011 The latest Gartner Magic Quadrant report paints a bright picture for next-generation firewall vendors, especially Check Point and Palo Alto Networks. It also raises some interesting questions about the future of network security among vendors, the channel, virtualized environments and midmarket buyers.
2112 Report: MSPs Need Price Integrity (1) December 15, 2011 The managed services business model is a revenue and profit engine, if executed properly. The problem is there’s little price integrity and the model isn’t producing. The 2112 Group, N-able and NetEnrich have teamed up to define “artificial commodization” in managed services and the prescription for returning value to the MSP model.
Managed Telecom Services to Take Off in 2012 (0) December 13, 2011 A new market study from Insight Research forecasts global spending on managed telecom services, delivered by carriers and solution providers, alike in 2012 will reach nearly $140 billion, and that number is expected to soar to $266 billion by the end of 2016.
Cisco Enters Managed Services with OnPlus (0) December 13, 2011 Cisco calls its OnPlus an enhancing program that gives managed services a greater ability to manage network infrastructure. The reality is that OnPlus is Cisco’s foray into the remote monitoring and management segment, potentially competing against longtime alliance partners.
Zenith RMM No More; Now ‘Continuum’ (0) December 12, 2011 The managed services company formerly known as Zenith RMM is doing more than establishing an identity fully separate from its t, Zenith Infotech; it’s also going into competition with its former parent through a partnership with Datto.
Creditors: Zenith Infotech Avoiding Bond Payment (1) December 7, 2011 Legal arguments are underway in India over Zenith Infotech’s default on a $33 million bond payment. In court this week, creditors charged the cloud and backup vendor is purposely avoiding paying its debts, and alleged fraud in its handling of proceeds from the sale of its managed services division.
Level Platforms Release Reflects RMM Evolution (3) December 2, 2011 Level Platforms earlier this week announced the release of Managed Workplace 2011 R3, which includes new features for managing printers and power management systems. Much has been made of the managed print options, but is the real story the evolution of RMM to business control panels?
Retainer vs. Subscription: How to Charge? (4) December 1, 2011 In managed and cloud services, providers charge customers recurring fees in exchange for ongoing service delivery. Some companies call it a subscription. Some think this should be called a retainer to reflect the professional nature of the service. Which is best?
5 Reasons Arnie Bellini has the Right Strategy (0) November 29, 2011 ConnectWise is increasingly open about its quasi-mergers with complementary technology companies and has released a development roadmap that, with the support of LabTech and Quosal, form the next-generation automated management platform. In the process, CEO Arnie Bellini may have also paved the road for a new business development model.
Zenith Infotech Posts Loss, Revealing Earnings (0) November 22, 2011 Besieged Zenith Infotech posted its first quarterly earnings report since defaulting on its huge bond payment in September. The report reveals more than just a quarterly loss, but some of the reason behind its financial troubles and, perhaps, what it earned from the sale of its managed services business.
‘Cake Boss’ Gets a New IT Boss in Exigent (1) November 18, 2011 The legendary New Jersey bakery behind television’s “Cake Boss” has selected Exigent Technologies to provide comprehensive IT support and management to its burgeoning business. The icing on the cake for Exigent is great publicity and vertical market development.
The Managed Services Pricing Debate Continues (6) November 18, 2011 Managed service providers are watching the average sale price fall, and profitability along with it. This trend led to a lively debate yesterday with folks from NetEnrich and N-Able, in which both the root causes and probable solutions for resolving the services pricing conundrum were batted around.
Nimsoft: MSPs Morphing from Chore to Core (0) November 18, 2011 Cloud computing is disrupting staid IT operations and changing customer expectations for the delivery of greater value. Nimsoft CEO Chris O’Malley believes the future of managed services isn’t in ‘chore’ break/fix services, but rather ‘core’ services that deliver greater business functionality and benefits.
Kaseya Becomes a Reseller of a MSP Specialist (0) November 17, 2011 When Kaseya wanted to penetrate deeper into the financial services market with its IT automation solutions, it turned to one of its managed services partners – Safe Systems – for the technology solutions and know-how. The result, Kaseya is now a reseller for one of its MSPs.
IBM, CA on a Cloud Collision Course (0) November 16, 2011 The major vendors are reaching for the clouds, but perhaps no two are on a more spectacular collision course than IBM and CA Technologies. And where this clash of the titans will happen is most likely in the channel as each vies for the same type of partners to take their offerings to market.
CA Evolving IDM to Managed Services (1) November 15, 2011 CA Technologies unveiled two new cloud-based identity management products that will allow enterprises to better manage access hosted and on-premise resources. Eventually, these products will be made available to managed service providers, potentially breaking the enterprise IDM barrier.
Zenith Infotech Won’t Sell More Assets (0) November 15, 2011 At a court hearing yesterday, Zenith Infotech pledges not to sell its cloud computing or other assets while it appeals an order to disclose details of the sale of its managed services business.
LabTech Takes a Seat at the Big RMM Table (0) November 14, 2011 There’s no shortage of remote monitoring and management software vendors, but the pantheon of leaders in this segment has grown from three to four. The newest member: LabTech Software, which is increasingly aggressive and winning in the managed services market.
Symantec Integrates AV, Backup with Four RMMs (0) November 11, 2011 Symantec has heeded partner requests to integrate its endpoint security and backup applications with leading remote monitoring and management tools. The move isn’t truly extraordinary, but it does advance the security vendor’s position in managed services and the SMB marketplace.
Zenith Infotech Appeals Disclosure Order (0) November 11, 2011 Reports out of India indicate Summit Partners is willing to disclose the terms of its acquisition that lead to the formation of Zenith RMM. However, Zenith Infotech is appealing a court order to disclose the sale of its managed services assets, hoping to keep the details confidential as it tries restructuring its debt.
BDR ‘Rescue Kits’ Distributed at IT Nation (3) November 10, 2011 Looking to capitalize on Zenith Infotech’s financial woes, eFolder is turning up the heat on its “BDR Rescue” program by distributing kits at the IT Nation conference. eFolder isn’t the only company targeting Zenith Infotech, but it’s among the few being so overt. The question: Is whether this is good business or poor taste?
The Gravity of ConnectWise IT Nation (2) November 9, 2011 A sold-out crowd is gathered in Florida for the seventh annual ConnectWise IT Nation. What started out as a user group event has evolved into a center of gravity in the channel and managed services community, as evidenced by the number of attendees and significant announcements.
CharTec Supports Backup to Legacy Boxes (1) November 9, 2011 End users have invested money in legacy backup and disaster recovery servers that they don’t want to sacrifice even when presented with a cost-saving service. CharTec is providing a solution for those customers by decoupling its BDR software while still selling it as a service.
N-Able, NetEnrich Say ‘Get More’ to MSPs (1) November 8, 2011 The two managed services enablement vendors see the need for MSPs to evolve their businesses to more automated, advanced infrastructures and offerings. Their new alliance is designed to give MSPs the resources to optimize their businesses and move into more sophisticated, profitable services.
Feds Grant Verizon $5B Managed Services Deal (0) November 8, 2011 The General Services Administration, the federal government’s procurement agency, has awarded Verizon Communications a nine-year, $5 billion contract to provide a basket of managed and professional IT services.
Best Buy Nabs MindShift for MSP Play (1) November 7, 2011 Electronics retailer Best Buy is acquiring managed services powerhouse MindShift for $167 million in what is likely its largest move into the business-to-business channel since launching its small business division and buying Geek Squad. Could this be the shape of things to come as IT retail declines?
Bradford Networks Introduces Cloud-Based NAC (0) November 7, 2011 Bradford Networks may not be a household name in the channel, but it’s planning to make its presence known with a new cloud-based network access control (NAC) solution that makes the administration of what attaches to the network simpler and cost effective. And the route to market: managed service providers.
Cisco Offers Up 'New to You' Gear (1) November 4, 2011 Cisco Systems is taking the wraps off its refurbished equipment division, promoting preowned and reclaimed equipment to partners for resale. Through the program, Cisco is trying to fill gaps in a $3 billion “new to you” networking equipment market.
Zenith RMM Chief: We’re Moving On (3) November 3, 2011 Zenith Infotech remains embroiled in a debt and legal crisis, but its spinoff company – Zenith RMM – sees its involvement in the controversy coming to an end now that India courts have ordered the disclosure of its acquisition.
IBM Looks to Redefine ‘Managed Services’ (0) November 2, 2011 Big Blue is finding traction in the midmarket through “next-generation business partners” who not only deliver conventional managed services but also application and business services. Midmarket general manager Andy Monshaw believes it’s the next stage in channel evolution.
Court Orders Zenith to Disclose RMM Sale Details (1) November 2, 2011 Zenith Infotech has lost its first legal engagement with shareholders and creditors over the default of $85 million in bond payments and the sale of its remote monitoring and management assets to Summit Partners. The creditors’ goal: reversing the RMM sale.
GFI, SolarWinds Enabling MSPs to Reach Clouds (1) October 31, 2011 Competition is heating up in the managed services segment, and the new battleground is application management – on-premise and in the cloud. GFI Software’s latest acquisition and SolarWinds' newest product reflect the evolution of managed services from servers to software.
No Word on Zenith Infotech Court Case (1) October 27, 2011 The wires are eerily quiet on what happened yesterday in India when Zenith Infotech and its creditors went to court over the bond default. On this side of the world, the buzz is quite high as competitors continue to pick at Zenith Infotech’s partner channel.
MSPs Undersell, Underprice Managed Services (13) October 25, 2011 A new CompTIA study finds end users are reaping tremendous financial benefits from managed services. The trouble is that managed service providers are finding themselves in a price war not with competitors, but with customers unwilling to pay. That disconnect between the providers and the consumers is hurting the market.
In Defense of Venture Capital in the Channel (1) October 24, 2011 The Zenith Infotech bond default is raising many questions about the financial stability and viability of many companies on which channel partners rely. Some Zenith Infotech competitors, most notably LabTech Software, are using this opportunity to pick up business. But the troubles at Zenith Infotech are no reason to indict debt or capital investments as means for growth.
Zenith RMM Gets Own Domain (0) October 21, 2011 Another sign of Zenith RMM’s continued separation from its embattled former owner, Zenith Infotech, continues as the two companies now have distinctly separate domains. Is a name change next?
Managed Services Pricing Under Pressure (0) October 20, 2011 Managed service providers and the vendors that support them are seeing explosive growth opportunities over the next few years as more businesses look to outsource more IT functions. The problem is customers are pushing back on pricing, defying classic supply-side economics. Here’s why.
Zenith RMM Insulates Self from Zenith Infotech (1) October 19, 2011 Zenith Infotech remains silent on its bond default, but its spinoff company Zenith RMM is moving to distance itself from the distressed managed services vendor by developing alternative cloud offerings for partners and rebranding the company. Another Zenith company reports no problems or questions about its standing.
Zenith Infotech Bond Woes Weigh on Channel (2) October 18, 2011 Information is hard to come by on how Zenith Infotech’s $33 million bond default will impact operations and partners. The India-based company is being tight-lipped, and that’s making partners anxious. Some are already looking to alternatives, and Zenith Infotech competitors are waiting with open arms.
Zenith Infotech Default Potentially Bigger (5) October 17, 2011 A major investor in Zenith Infotech says the actual amount in default is $85 million, two-and-a-half times as much as originally reported, and that no effort is underway by the company’s management to negotiate a restructuring. The deepening financial crisis may soon embroil the spinoff, independent company, Zenith RMM in controversy.
Zenith Infotech Defaults on Bond Payments (0) October 14, 2011 The India-based managed services company defaulted on $33 million bond payment. CEO Akash Saraf says the company is “financially sound” and negotiating with creditors. However, competitors are already questioning the company’s viability and looking to capitalize on defecting partners.
Symantec Opens Managed Security to Partners (0) October 13, 2011 Through a new specialization program, Symantec is enabling its partners to resell its managed security services. The specialization and referral program is a step toward greater enablement of channel-driven managed services.
Overland Simplifies Storage with SnapServer DX (0) October 11, 2011 Overland Storage is making a channel statement with the release of SnapServer DX, an affordable and expanding storage device priced for all market segments: Storage hardware and services can be low-cost and profitable.
30% of SMBs Clueless about Managed Services (1) October 7, 2011 A new study by Techaisle finds managed service providers are increasingly engaging end users with managed service offerings. The findings reinforce the need for more sales and marketing activity in the channel’s managed services segment.
Zenith RMM Details Future Ambitions (1) September 29, 2011 The new managed services company spun off from Zenith Infotech plans to develop and expand the capabilities of its remote monitoring and management platform to include support for cloud, virtualization, and Apple and mobile devices. Focus is what the new company is founded on, the management team says.
LabTech Program Focuses on MSP Profitability (0) September 29, 2011 The remote monitoring and management software specialists launched its Business Transformation Division, a new effort to develop tools and resources to assist managed service providers in maturing and expanding their businesses.
Zenith Infotech Spins Off RMM Division (0) September 28, 2011 Zenith InfoTech, a pioneer in remote backup and hosted managed services, is spinning off its remote monitoring and management products into a separate company called Zenith RMM. The new company will focus on continued development of RMM tools and work closely with its sister company in enabling channel partners.
HP: Managed Print More Than Printers (0) September 27, 2011 Printer vendors are struggling to gain real traction in the adoption of managed print in the channel. The stumbling block is often getting partners and customers to see the model’s value. HP’s Scott Dunsire says managed print is more than printers; it’s workflow and document management, too.
SonicWall Makes Services More Affordable (1) September 14, 2011 SonicWall is addressing the lack of capital in the channel through its new FlexSpend program, which makes the establishment and support of managed security services practices more affordable.
TCI Pursues Channel Investment Strategy (0) September 12, 2011 Technology Capital Investors acquired a stake in Bravura Networks, adding another managed service provider to its portfolio of channel companies. It’s part of an overarching strategy to develop regional IT companies, and possibly a template for accelerating channel growth.
HP Bolsters Managed Print Services Capacity (1) September 9, 2011 Hewlett-Packard is increasing its capacity to deliver and support managed print services through the acquisition of Printelligent. HP, like other printer vendors, is gearing up to capitalize on projected demand for managed print that has yet to truly materialize.
Google Exits Security Services (0) September 6, 2011 As part of a major restructuring, Google announced it was shutting down Web Security, the successor program to Postini's email and Web security services the search giant acquired in 2007. In total, 10 products are heading to the trash heap.
Brocade Pioneers Hardware Subscriptions (1) September 2, 2011 Brocade is attempting to change the networking game by offering its switching gear on a monthly subscription basis. This isn’t just another lease, but rather a new model in which partners and end users can more easily acquire, deploy and change equipment.
TeamLogic, Network Box Partner on Security (0) August 30, 2011 The new alliance between the TeamLogic IT network of franchised service and solution providers and Network Box USA will bring comprehensive security services to small business across the country.
NetEnrich Enables SMB Cloud Services (0) August 29, 2011 The cloud services provider to the channel launches a new program design to make it easier for solution providers to adopt and manage hosted infrastructure on behalf of their SMB customers.
Palo Alto Networks Expands MSP, OEM Channels (0) August 22, 2011 Taking a page from the playbook that has driven growth at other security vendors, next-generation firewall vendor Palo Alto Networks is expanding its relationships with service providers and alliance partners to sell its products through multiple channels.
PSAs are More Than Managed Services (4) August 17, 2011 Autotask, ConnectWise and TigerPaw built their businesses and reputations by providing professional services automation software that married nicely to the managed services model. The bond is so tight that the market – the media in particular – overlooks PSA’s applicability to other channel models.
Toshiba, Lexmark Partner on Managed Print (0) August 17, 2011 Laptop manufacturer Toshiba is working with printer specialist Lexmark on bringing managed print services to its channel partners. The program provides Toshiba partners with a holistic office management solution.
Value of Managed Services Lost on SMBs (1) August 16, 2011 Managed services has the power of reducing the cost and labor burden of IT on business operations. But a new study reveals many managed service providers continue to struggle in conveying the value of their offerings to small and midsized businesses. The saving grace: cloud computing, perhaps.
Waiting for Managed Print to Go Mainstream (0) August 11, 2011 Xerox and other printer vendors tout the profitability and sustainable revenues that come with managed print services. Yet, there’s no denying that after years of offering managed print it remains a peripheral offering and there’s no telling when it will go mainstream.
MSP Enablers Report Strong Growth (0) August 10, 2011 Managed services continue to drive strong growth across the channel, as reflected by statements issued by leading vendors N-Able and ConnectWise. These reports aren’t a reflection of a peak, but rather continued and sustainable growth potential.
Ingram Expands Services with Security, RMM (0) August 8, 2011 The Ingram Micro Services Division is bolstering its portfolio with new cloud security and remote monitoring and management tools from Symantec, Trend Micro and N-Able. The expansion reflects a larger trend of solution providers wanting more services support from distributors.
Dell SecureWorks Adds Next-Gen Firewalls (0) July 28, 2011 The managed security service provider arm of Dell is partnering with Palo Alto Networks to add next-generation firewalls to its portfolio. The deal is an interesting evolution in managed security services, as well as the capabilities of the respective companies.
Report: RMM Users are More Profitable (2) July 27, 2011 Managed service advocates tout their model as being more profitable than conventional break/fix VARs. A new report by The 2112 Group and Corelytics finds that users of remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools are more profitable than their non-user counterparts. And the RMM benefits aren’t exclusive to managed service providers.
Capgemini Offers Social Media as a Service (0) July 26, 2011 Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+ are treasure-troves of intelligence on what businesses are saying about their technology suppliers and solution providers. Capgemini’s new service provides customers with real-time social insights for immediate adjustments to sales and marketing messaging. Is this the dawn of a new managed service?
CharTec Aims to Train Next-Generation MSPs (2) June 15, 2011 The hardware-as-a-service company is expanding its training efforts to enable partners to better execute on the managed services model. CEO Alex Rogers has high hopes for using training to grow his business and expand the managed services universe.
Autotask: It Pays to be a Friend (0) June 14, 2011 The professional services automation company launches a new program that rewards partners and supporters up to $1,000 for referring new customers. The program is a reminder of what every company should be aiming for: fanatical users.
Converging Channels Bring New Competition (2) June 10, 2011 IT solution providers are increasingly bumping into new competitors, such as photocopier dealers who are offering network and desktop support services alongside their toner replacement services. New competition should be concerning, but the real issue is how solution providers can maintain and expand their share of customers’ wallets.
New Credentials Instill MSP Professionalism (5) June 3, 2011 Through two different credentialing efforts, CompTIA and MSPAlliance are setting new standards for managed and cloud services performance and excellence. The respective credentials are intended to provide MSPs with standards and market differentiators. Here's a look at their benefits and shortcomings, and what they ultimately mean for the channel.
Equus Makes Hardware Acquisition Better (0) May 25, 2011 Equus Managed Services Solutions is launching a new program to make hardware-as-a-service more affordable and easier to acquire. It may also have a better model than Google’s Chromebooks.
Autotask Aims for Professionalism, Simplicity (0) May 24, 2011 The professional services automation vendor is looking to make its product simpler and easier to use, which will result in a greater business benefit to its managed services customers. What’s required is a greater degree of business planning and execution on user’s part, and that’s the underlying message of this week’s CommLive conference.
Auto-Renewals Preserve Cloud Value (1) May 17, 2011 Managed services and cloud providers face pricing pressures every time a contract expires. NetEnrich’s Justin Crotty says “auto-renewing contracts” are the answer to services commoditization.
GFI Takes Aim at Barracuda, Google (0) May 10, 2011 GFI Software is no longer content in operating in the periphery of the security marketplace, and it looking to pick a fight with two substantially larger rivals, Barracuda Networks and Google in the lucrative email security segment.
7 Machine-to-Machine Channel Opportunities (0) May 2, 2011 The Internet will have more than 50 billion connected devices by 2020, but only a fraction will be human interfaces. Machine-to-machine connections are poised to skyrocket, opening new opportunities for products, software, professional services and cloud engagements.
Symform Introduces Flat-Rate Cloud Storage (0) April 26, 2011 While several cloud storage providers are retreating under pressure of high costs and low sales, Symform is looking to disrupt the market with flat-rate pricing for infinitely scalable services delivered through the channel.
Novell Completes ID Management Family (0) April 20, 2011 Novell completed its Identity Management 4 family of products with the release of Standard Edition, a package that provides rich identity management functionality without expensive add-on modules. Standard Edition puts identity management in reach of midmarket companies and service providers.
The PSA-Cloud Integration Imperative (5) April 13, 2011 Professional services automation software such as Autotask, ConnectWise and TigerPaw made the administration of managed services businesses easier and more efficient. Now they’re fast becoming a prerequisite for emerging cloud platforms.
Smart Grid Managed Services Growing Fast (0) April 7, 2011 Smart gird technologies, systems that provide energy management and sustainability, are creating new opportunities for managed service providers. A new report forecasts smart grid managed services will grow into a multi-billion market as electric utilities require outside support for their complex systems.
7 Top Services Delivered Via Network Connections (1) April 1, 2011 While many MSPs strive to be all things IT to their clients, the reality is that customers’ comfort level with handing the IT reins to an outsider can vary from task to task and business to business. So what managed services are getting the most attention? Here are 7 top services delivered over the network.
7 Tips for MSP Looking to be Acquired (1) March 31, 2011 Managed services consolidation is real, as larger companies are looking to roll up MSPs to increase their reach and capabilities. But MSPs aren’t fetching the sale prices they thought they’d get. Here are a few tips for MSPs looking to sell their business to ensure they get good valuations.
5 Considerations for MSPs When Crafting SLAs (0) March 28, 2011 Carefully developing an SLA not only sets clear boundaries and responsibilities for service delivery, it can give an MSP a deeper understanding of the customer’s business and the impact IT services have on customer business processes. In order to get the most from your SLAs, be sure to consider these five factors when developing such agreements.
Why CharTec’s Agent Sales Deal Makes Sense (0) March 18, 2011 The hardware-as-a-service vendor is looking to leverage a large network of telephony agents to augment and increase sales of its managed service providers. The deal, designed with little conflict, could pave the way for future intra-channel collaboration.
6 Truisms of the Managed Services Business (6) March 15, 2011 Managed services is a well-established business model. Surprisingly, though, not everyone in the channel has developed a managed services practice. For those just getting in the game, here are six truisms about the managed services business.
Dell Gets Serious about Managed Security (0) March 11, 2011 A month into its acquisition of SecureWork, Dell is pumping money and resources into the managed security service provider to bolster capacity. SecureWorks could add hundreds of jobs in the Atlanta area. It’s another sign of growing strength of managed services.
Report: Managed Telecom a $237B Opportunity (3) March 11, 2011 The recession permanently changed the way enterprises view managed telecom and IT services. A new report predicts spending on converged managed services will surge over the next five years as businesses look to shed costs by contracting support.
Cisco Doesn’t Want Your Services Business. So Who Does? (0) March 10, 2011 Chalk Cisco up among the likes of Oracle, Symantec and others who would rather collaborate with IT services partners than compete with them.
Prepare for Increased Customer Demands in Cloud Services Deals (0) March 9, 2011 The cloud is serious business – and with that comes both opportunity and a new level of concern for cloud service providers trying to lure savvy-if-skittish CIOs. Are your contract cloud services enterprise-ready?
5 Reasons Managed Service Providers are Well Positioned for the Cloud (2) March 8, 2011 Managed service providers and conventional solution providers are living in fear that cloud computing will render them obsolete. The cloud is disrupting the entire IT marketplace, but it’s not the end of the channel as we know it. Managed service providers are actually well positioned to adopt cloud products and drive Web-based services
Microsoft Getting 'InTune' with Managed Services (0) March 3, 2011 The forthcoming release of Windows InTune desktop management tool is Microsoft’s first real foray into the managed services market. Solution providers are not happy with the product or Microsoft’s strategy, but InTune may market a turning point in the managed services.
Share Shifting in Managed Services (0) March 2, 2011 A fundamental disconnect exists between vendors and managed service providers in the true potential of the market – and it’s the vendors’ fault. Vendors need to realize they represent only a small percentage of an MSP's business, and their job is to earn a greater share.
“As a Service” Has Lost its Luster (1) March 1, 2011 Every vendor is announcing the latest delivery of applications and infrastructure “as a service,” as if it’s the greatest thing since slice bread or ice cream on a stick. Service models are no longer remarkable or a differentiator.
Managed Services Confuse Larger Vendors (5) February 17, 2011 Large IT vendors, particularly software houses, are looking at managed services as the conduit to sustained revenue and profitability. But they’re not finding the riches they expected in what is – at least to them – a fractured marketplace that doesn’t live up to expectations. That’s a disconnect that could hurt the MSP segment.
Symantec Revamps, Improves Endpoint Protection (1) February 15, 2011 Symantec aims to reverse its antivirus woes with Symantec Endpoint Protection 12, a new security suite that boasts improved performance, higher speeds and better adaptability for virtual environments. Early channel reviews are positive, but will it work in the field as well as it did in the development lab.
5 Things We Learned Today – February 11 (0) February 11, 2011 Here’s a look at some of the stories and trends that hit our radar screen that are relevant to the channel. My favorite: Microsoft tying up with Nokia in smartphones.
4 Things We Learned Today – February 10 (0) February 10, 2011 Here’s a look at some of the stories and trends that hit our radar screen that are relevant to the channel. My favorite: Rackspace's quarterly earnings report.
Level Platforms Tour an Entry Point for Managed Services (0) February 10, 2011 Level Platforms has garnered the support of 22 vendors for its North America road show. The tour is designed to showcase the evolution of remote monitoring and management tools, but it’s really more about the growing interest among big software vendors in the managed services market.
5 Things We Learned Today – February 9 (0) February 9, 2011 Here’s a look at some of the stories and trends that hit our radar screen that are relevant to the channel. My favorite: Fishnet Security’s 15th anniversary milestone.
OKI Data Reinvigorates Managed Print Program (0) February 8, 2011 OKI Data is taking another run at the elusive managed print service market by relaunching its program to give partners better control over the print services cycle through analytics, planning and management tools. It’s another example of how MPS remains a goal, not a reality, in the channel.
Big Cloud Acquisitions Are Not a Channel Threat (0) February 4, 2011 First came the massive buyout of managed hosting company Terremark Worldwide by Verizon Communications for $1.4 billion. Days later, media conglomerate and cable company Time Warner paid $230 million for managed application service provider Navisite. Suddenly, every large hosting company on the market is up for a land-grab in the cloud. Is this a game changer for the channel and cloud computing? Not yet, but these deals are harbingers of things to come.
Level Platforms, N-Able Renew MSP Push (0) January 26, 2011 The technology world can’t stop talking about cloud computing, but an entire industry around remote monitoring and management – or, as some people call it, “automated break/fix” business – makes up a huge part of the channel. RMM rivals Level Platforms and N-Able are renewing their push to penetrate deeper into the channel with managed services tools, even as some pundits (myself included) wonder whether parts of the channel will simply skip managed services on their way to the cloud.
MSP Acquisition Wave Really Just the Tip (0) January 18, 2011 Recent news and commentary has upped marketplace buzz over the recent rash of MSP acquisitions. Apparently there’s a sales run on MSPs! Half-off and everything must go – my own MSP must be the only one not being bought. Sometimes, it’s best to take a look underneath all the hype to find a true trend.
Heit Gets it Done in 2010; Posts 47% Growth (0) January 12, 2011 Hope is not a plan, period. But even a plan without execution doesn’t produce results. Heit, the financial sector’s managed services specialist, has both a plan and execution, and the results are showing with a phenomenal 47 percent jump in revenue growth in 2010.
Solution Providers Should Start with Exit Strategies (2) January 6, 2011 In a recent conversation with a major technology vendor, the question came up as to what constitutes a real business. The acquisition of managed service provider Alpheon by mega-service provider mindSHIFT Technologies reminded me of my response to that question: “A real business is one with an exit plan.”
Dell Buys SecureWorks to Push into Security (1) January 4, 2011 Any doubts of Dell’s desire to diversify its portfolio and provide more services were dispelled this morning with its acquisition of managed security service provider SecureWorks. The deal gives Dell a major footprint in security and another competitive weapon in its ongoing war with Hewlett-Packard and Cisco.
Is Digital Signage the Next Managed Service? (1) December 29, 2010 Managed services has infiltrated nearly every aspect of the IT infrastructure. Through agents or virtual connections, MSPs are remotely monitoring and managing everything from servers to storage arrays to desktops. Providing IT as a service for data center gear is a relatively straightforward proposition, but can the model be extended to something requiring more creativity, such as digital signage? Some people seem to think so.
Update: McBain Lands at Autotask (0) December 24, 2010 An update to our blog post from Tuesday about Jay McBain: The mystery of his next job has been solved. He’s heading to Autotask to take the newly created job of senior vice president of strategy and market development.
Autotask CEO Gives Up Post to Follow Vision (0) December 17, 2010 After nearly 10 years since founding Autotask, CEO and founder Bob Godgart is stepping aside and handing the reins of management to Mark Cattini. In making the announcement, Godgart said with a hint of laughter that it was time to bring in a “professional CEO” to run the business so he could “find what comes next.” While not his intent, Godgart is demonstrating remarkable awareness of the need for refreshing business leadership and gaining more by giving up control.
MSPs Shouldn’t Snoop on Customers’ Networks (1) December 7, 2010 The required level of access managed service providers require to client infrastructures and data flows – the crown jewels of any business – makes trust a critical component of any managed services engagement. And this is what makes a string of conversations amongst MSPs about the ethics of monitoring customer data without their knowledge puzzling.
Solving the Managed Print Services Mystery (1) November 23, 2010 Printer vendors such as Xerox, Hewlett-Packard, Lexmark, Oki Data and Ricoh have been pushing the concept of price-per-page printer services, or managed print services, for years. They model is simple and elegant: Solution providers actively monitor and service printer devices owned by their clients, and facilitate the sale of consumables – including paper. The business amounts to a recurring revenue stream. Despite that, only a relative fraction of channel is engaged in managed print. That’s the mystery.
Autotask Provides Users with Introspective Ratings (1) November 10, 2010 We often hear about user and community rating systems as a measure of customer satisfaction. Stars, diamonds, smiley faces all serve as marks of excellence – or shame, depending on the experience – for users to gauge potential engagements with a service provider. But shouldn’t these same rating systems matter to managers and salespeople inside a service provider? Autotask seems to think so, judging by the new feature added to its professional services automation platform.
IBM Loves the Midmarket; This Is Not a Repeat (0) October 25, 2010 This headline on CRN caught my eye, last week: “IBM To Make Mid-market Channel Push.” Man, that sounds familiar. Where have I seen it before? Oh yeah, right here in my RSS reader. Every year. For the past seven years. At least.
Time to Abandon Managed Services (0) October 15, 2010 For the last 10 years, we’ve watched managed services evolve from this niche offering to the preferred business model of solution providers seeking predictable, recurring revenue streams. It’s even safe to say that managed services – as a business model and technology delivery system – is mature. So it’s time to abandon managed services.
McAfee: Service Rewards Come with Services Risks (1) October 11, 2010 At the Partner Day at its annual Focus event, McAfee is making several significant adjustments to its channel program to improve the ease of doing business with the security giant and aid solution providers to get into services. Some could say McAfee is actually behind the curve in some of its initiatives, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Exploring ‘The New Normal’ at MSP World (2) September 20, 2010 Over the last 10 years, managed services has evolved from boutique offerings targeting enterprise IT users to a revolution in the delivery of break/fix services to a mainstream professional services offering suitable for nearly any IT operation. It’s been a remarkable run for solution providers adopting the MSP model – in part or whole – since it provides deeper contact with customers while reducing operational costs.