Cox Communications Pitches Managed Services to SMBs
Big broadband service providers continue to expand their managed services portfolios. The latest example involves Cox Business — a unit of Cox Communications — launching “business-class backup, security and email” managed sevices for small and midsize business (SMB) customers. The Cox efforts leverage SaaS services from Mozy and McAfee as well as a TV advertising campaign. Here’s a look at the strategy.
According to a prepared statement:
Cox Business launched Cox Business Online Backup and Cox Business Security Suite earlier this year in all markets, included with Cox Business Internet speeds of 5, 10, 15, 25, 50 Mbps. The services were recently enhanced to address the growing data management requirements among customers and the Cox Business Internet complimentary email platform was upgraded to provide more business features.
Online Backup provides offsite management of mission critical data in a secure Moz facility. The included storage amount for Cox Business Internet customers has increased to 25 GB with 15 Mbps service and faster or 10 GB with slower speeds. Additional storage capacity can be purchased for customers with greater needs.
The company’s Security Suite is powered by McAfee SAAS security technology and safeguards business software and data from online threats… including firewall and anti-virus services.
Advertising Blitz
Cox is using TV ads to promote its managed services. New ads focus on backup…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P67dkfSvNfc
…security…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjJiQN099GU
…and overall managed services:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJsYZ8wH9y8
Bad News, Good News
No doubt, cable and broadband providers across North America are taking similar managed services steps. At first, small MSPs may feel intimidated competing with publicly held broadband giants. But perhaps all the mainstream advertising from big broadband companies will actually help small MSPs.
After all, the TV ads provide the perfect opportunity for small MSPs to tell customers, “we do that too” while offering personalized on-premise and consulting services that the big broadband companies can’t match.
About a year ago, ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini warned MSPs that they need to protect the last mile of IT from big broadband and cloud companies that sell direct to SMBs. It’s safe to expect Bellini to update that statement later this week during the ConnectWise IT Nation conference in Orlando. I’ll be curious to hear his thoughts on Cox and other broadband specialists that are promoting to SMBs.
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