SolarWinds: Pursuing Cisco Partners for Managed Services Push?
SolarWinds is preparing to work more closely with managed services providers (MSPs), sources continue to tell MSPmentor. The latest example: SolarWinds — which develops network management and monitoring software — has started to work more closely with Cisco VARs; many of those Cisco partners have managed services expertise, we’ve heard. At the same time, SolarWinds recently launched Applications Performance Monitor 4.2. So what’s next?
First, a little background: A few readers beat me up in June 2011 when I suggested SolarWinds was preparing managed services initiatives (check the reader comments area). We stand by that article. And now, it’s clear that SolarWinds is reaching out to Cisco VARs that need remote monitoring and management tools. Several readers have checked in with MSPmentor in recent weeks after hearing from SolarWinds…
On the product front, SolarWinds’ new APM 4.2 allows MSPs to monitor Java-based apps like Apache Tomcat, JBoss, GlassFish, WebSphere and WebLogic. Also, the platform includes more templates for commonly monitored apps.
Clearly, we’re not suggesting that SolarWinds will push into traditional PC monitoring in the PC market. But we are receiving some clear indications that SolarWinds wants to work with larger MSPs that need application and network monitoring capabilities. In some sectors, SolarWinds could be on a collision course with Kaseya, which acquired Intellipool to potentially counter SolarWinds.
SolarWinds has popped up on our radar a few times and has made multiple acquisitions, including Hyper9 and TriGeo. Now, we’re reaching out to SolarWinds for insights on the alleged managed services partner push…
Additional insights from Nicholas Mukhar.
it could happen except for the fact that you end up as a partner where the biggest competition inside your customer accounts will be you competing against solarwinds direct sales on EVERY deal, if an MSP, no multi tenency and no MSP Pricing rules solarwinds out as a viable investment.
Dan, I’ll keep your thoughts in mind as we explore future coverage about SolarWinds. But can you disclose: Do you represent a software company? An MSP? Someone else?
-jp
morning joe, existing solarwinds partner plus cisco and dell – trust dell which as you know would have been very hard a few years ago but they have worked hard and undertand the channel now + the value we bring to Dell. Solarwinds is a nice to have as we leverage their marketing but could never see it as a core product – just lucky that what we offer to our clients is more important to them then Solarwinds offering discount to purchase direct.
Dan,
Thanks for the info. Really appreciate you looping back. And keep us posted on your CSCO and DELL engagements. Side note: I’ve been dropping hints about a SolarWinds MSP partner push for about six months now. Some readers keep calling me crazy. But I stand by my hunch… Stay tuned.
-jp
hi Joe, i’ve asked my Conacts at solarwinds the MSP Question – all white smoke, MSP is just another direct customer as far as they are concerned and the exisiting license model will never be changed from Interface which makes it a non runner and to costly to scale an MSP Practice around
Dan,
I will keep your feedback in mind as we plan potential future coverage.
-jp