I got a bit tied up at last week’s CompTIA ChannelCon. Next up is Tech Data’s TDCloud Summit this week in Tampa, Fla., before heading on to HTG’s Vision Summit next week in Omaha. But before MSPmentor travels to its next round of events, here are seven managed services provider (MSP) news stories and blogs our team didn’t have a chance to write for the week ending Aug. 3, 2013.

7. Merging OSes?: What if Windows Phone 8 and Windows RT became one touch-enabled OS for low-end tablets and smartphones. We’re checking out that chatter but wondering if anyone would care if the rumor is true.

6. Dell Managed Services: What is going on with Dell PacketTrap (both RMM and PSA)? Changes afoot? MSPmentor is checking.

5. Big Partnership?: ConnectWise, LabTech Software and Quosal might be working on a new partnership with a Fortune 500 company working in the IT channel. 

4. Cloud Leader: Synnex, the massive distributor, has a new leader driving its CloudSOLV business forward. Details soon on Talkin’ Cloud.

3. Executive Team Updates: One or two tweaks over at Kaseya? We’re checking.

2. independenceIT: Keep an eye on the Desktop as a Service (DaaS) provider, which works closely with MSPs. 

1. Encore: In case you missed it, the third-annual Top 100 Cloud Services Providers (CSPs) list launched last week at Talkin’ Cloud, our sister site. Quite a few MSPs made the list.

That’s all for now. Thanks to those who took time to meet me at ChannelCon. And for those attending the Tech Data TDCloud and HTG Vision conferences, I look forward to connecting soon.