Michael Dell Talks Managed Services, Quest Software, PacketTrap

Even as Michael Dell focuses his eyes on the massive IT forest, he's still able to zero in on individual trees.

The VAR Guy

November 13, 2012

2 Min Read
Michael Dell Talks Managed Services, Quest Software, PacketTrap

Michael Dell 3

Even as Michael Dell focuses his eyes on the massive IT forest, he’s still able to zero in on individual trees. One example: Dell’s CEO sees partner opportunities in the managed services market thanks to the Quest Software acquisition — which included PacketTrap, an MSP software provider. Want the proof? Just turn to The VAR Guy, MSPmentor’s sister site. Here’s a sample of the conversation.

In an exclusive interview, Dell outlined his vision for converged data centers, cloud and mobile computing. Amid an hour-long conversation, Dell told The VAR Guy:

“Don’t forget about AppAsure with MSPs. Partners like eFolder are building businesses around AppAssure, and partners are building businesses around PacketTrap. Those are significant MSP plays.”

eFolder is a backup and disaster recovery specialist that integrates closely with AppAssure — a backup and and replication specialist that Dell acquired. Meanwhile, PacketTrap develops remote monitoring and management (RMM) and PSA (professional services automation) software. Sometime in 2013, it’s a safe bet PacketTrap’s entire software suite will be available as an integrated cloud platform.

Admittedly, Michael Dell has bigger priorities that are front of mind at the moment — the Windows 8 launch, converged data centers, and the Dell Cloud initiative. The VAR Guy suspects MSPs are only a small piece of Dell’s overall partner strategy — which is led by Channel Chief Greg Davis.

Of course Dell has a hit-and-miss history in the managed services market. The company’s Silverback buyout, which involved RMM software, never really clicked with MSPs. But more recent acquisitions — such as the KACE buyout — have pushed Dell far deeper into IT management.

So what is Dell’s next move? Watch the Dell World conference (December 11-13, 2012).

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