More Managed Services Clues From Dell
Circle November 29 and December 5 on your calendars. During those days, respectively, Dell will announce quarterly results as well as its new channel initiatives. Both events should provide important clues about Dell’s managed services strategy.
CRN, forever a Dell critic, recently ran an article listing 10 issues that could trigger a channel disaster at Dell. But Dell has responded to the piece in full-force. And frankly, I think Dell getting into the MSP market could be a healthy development for the overall channel. Recent acquisitions like Everdream (see seven observations re: Dell-Everdream) and Silverback Technologies pull more channel-savvy executives into Dell. Still, some skeptics think Michael Dell has evil intentions in the channel.
I beg to differ. And I think we’ll begin to see that on November 29. If Dell announces decent quarterly results, Michael will surely point to Wal-Mart, Staples and other recent retail partnerships that are benefitting Dell. And when Dell announces its channel strategy on December 5, the company will have to show partners considerable upside in order to keep Everdream, Silverback and EqualLogic solution providers loyal.
In the meantime, Dell is answering its loudest critic — providing point-by-point responses to CRN’s highly skeptical views on Dell.
Whether Dell succeeds or fails as an MSP platform provider, let’s be clear: There are plenty of alternative platforms in the market from which to choose.
I’m a Silverback partner. Yes, I’m a little worried about Dell’s plans for Silverback. But I also hear good things from Silverback insiders. And Silverback’s rivals are offering me some rather amazing financial incentives to move to their platforms. It’s nice to feel wanted by multiple companies. And I hope Dell’s interest in my firm as a partner continues.
[…] and seeks channel partners. Dell announced its partner strategy on December 5, and has also been busy acquiring managed service providers and software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies like Everdream and SilverBack […]