MSPmentor has compiled a list of the top cloud computing stories that managed service providers (MSPs) need to know about for the week of Oct. 16.

This week’s edition features cloud computing news from Dell (DELL), Zendesk (ZEN), Rapid7, DoubleHorn and SANS. 

Confirming the Rumor: Dell Buying EMC

Dell has announced an agreement to acquire EMC (EMC) in a deal valued at approximately $67 billion. The combination of Dell and EMC will create the world’s largest privately controlled, integrated technology company, according to Dell.

Zendesk Acquires the Company Behind BIME Analytics

Cloud-based customer service software provider Zendesk has acquired We Are Cloud SAS, the developer of the BIME Analytics software-as-a-service (SaaS) business intelligence (BI) software. Zendesk said the acquisition will enable it to integrate data analytics capabilities into its offerings.  

Rapid7 Acquires Logentries; Adds Machine Data Search to Its Leading Security Data and Analytics Platform 

Security data and analytics solutions provider Rapid7 has acquired Logentries, a company that delivers a cloud-based log management and search solution, for approximately $68 million. Rapid7 CEO Corey Thomas said the addition of Logentries’ technology will enable customers “to better understand and quickly respond to risk in their IT environment.”

DoubleHorn Announces Partnership With Cloud Services Provider NaviSite

​Cloud services broker DoubleHorn is now offering NaviSite‘s cloud services to its customers. Under the terms of the partnership, DoubleHorn customers will be able to access NaviSite’s cloud-enabled services via the DoubleHorn Texas DIR cloud services contract.

SANS Survey Reveals Majority of Organizations Dissatisfied with Current Attack Containment and Recovery Times; Traditional Security Tools Delaying Response Capabilities

A new SANS survey of 430 security and risk professionals revealed 37 percent of organizations use distributed cloud and data center computing systems. However, 44 percent said their biggest challenge was that cloud services providers (CSPs) do not offer the visibility needed to protect their users and data, and 19 percent noted that CSPs do not provide them with the security support they need.

What do you think of this week’s cloud stories for MSPs? Share your thoughts about this story in the Comments section below, via Twitter @dkobialka or email me at [email protected].