Lenovo Builds Server for MSPs

After studying the managed services market for about a year, Lenovo has launched a purpose-built server designed specifically for MSPs and their customers. Jay McBain (pictured), director of SMB at Lenovo, shared the details with me during Autotask Community Live this week in Miami. Here are some insights.

In the following FastChat videos, McBain covers the ThinkServer TS200v, which Lenovo is specifically marketing to MSPs. McBain also describes Lenovo‘s revamped partner program. Plus, he explains a mobility offer that allows MSPs and VARs to earn up to 20% margin plus a $100 bounty when a notebook or netbook customer signs up for mobile wireless service.

About Lenovo’s Server

The video covers…

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 0:14 – About the TS200v MSP server
• 0:22 – A server instead of an appliance
• 0:32 – Pricing info
• 0:45 – About the technology
• 0:52 – About remote management and monitoring (RMM)
• 1:20 – More information

Lenovo’s Channel and Mobile Strategy

The video covers…

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 0:12 – Simplifying Lenovo’s partner program
• 1:10 – Cloud meets mobile devices meets wireless: How VARs can profit
• 1:58 – Can VARs actually profit from low-cost netbooks and notebooks?
• 2:10 – How VARs can profit from embedded mobile activations.
• 2:38 – More info

Technology Meets Marketing

No doubt, plenty of hardware companies sell appliances and servers to managed services providers. But Lenovo took a year to study the market — attending dozens of MSP events across North America. Lenovo says the TS200v Server is a first of its kind for MSPs.

True? False? I’ll let you decide for yourself. But from where I sit, Lenovo was wise to put some MSP-related marketing and branding behind the server. Already, MSPs like Alpheon CEO Greg Donovan are embracing Lenovo’s strategy. I wonder if more will follow.

Meanwhile, I have no doubt that rival PC companies will begin to place more emphasis on their managed services strategies. HP seems to be waking up to the MSP opportunity. And it sounds like Dell may strengthen some of its MSP messaging by the second half of 2010.

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