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When Hewlett-Packard this week launched a security services portfolio, the announcement included a brief mention of managed security services. No doubt, HP promotes managed services to large enterprises. But is the hardware giant starting to take a closer look at channel-centric managed services? Here are some thoughts.
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HP managed services
When Hewlett-Packard this week launched a security services portfolio, the announcement included a brief mention of managed security services. No doubt, HP promotes managed services to large enterprises. But is the hardware giant starting to take a closer look at channel-centric managed services? Here are some thoughts.The HP Security Services Portfolio, announced January 25, “consists of consulting, training and managed security services that leverage a common reference model to reduce complexity and cost for clients.” I didn’t spot any mentions of channel partners or third-party managed services providers (MSPs). And a deeper dive focuses on HP’s direct-to-customer services.
Next Moves?
Still, I am starting to hear about HP waking up to the MSP opportunity. The HP Americas Partner Conference, scheduled for April 26-28 in Las Vegas, could reveal some clues about how HP plans to work more closely with MSPs.
Sources say HP is trying to connect the dots between numerous potential MSP-centric efforts. The HP considerations, the sources say, include:
Servers, desktops, notebooks and mobile devices: Promoting stronger integration with remote monitoring and management tools.
HP OpenView: Deciding whether to offer a scaled-down or revamped version of OpenView designed specifically for MSPs that want to remotely manage customer networks. In recent months, rivals like Groundwork Open Source and Nimsoft say they’ve migrated customers away from OpenView.
Multi-function printers and document management: Potentially countering Xerox’s PagePack promotions to MSPs.
SaaS: Deciding whether to host third-party applications and potentially let MSPs rebrand those applications as their own.
NOC Services: Deciding whether to become a Master MSP, promoting held-desk and other services to VARs and aspiring MSPs.
No doubt, I’ve been critical of HP’s MSP efforts to date. While hardware rivals like Lenovo study the managed services market and then partner up, HP has been mostly silent. We’ll continue to reach out to HP for thoughts, and we hope to gather some more info at the HP Americas Partner Conference in April.
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