Box.Net Integrating with ConnectWise, Autotask
Back in March 2009, I heard managed service providers were recommending Box.net as a tool for businesses to easily but securely share files with selected clientele. Now comes word that Box.net is working to integrate its software with ConnectWise and Autotask within the next month. Here are some quick details.
First, a little background. When I originally wrote about Box.net, I raised this question:
How can small and midsize businesses — such as accounting firms, legal firms and architectural companies — easily but securely share files with selected clientele? One potential answer is Box.net, a simple content management and storage service. Eager adopters include Network Depot, a managed service provider in Reston, Va. Here are some details.
I originally stumbled onto Box.net when Nine Lives Media Inc. (MSPmentor’s parent) was evaluating widgets and plug-ins for our Web sites. We tested Box.net as a way to securely share PDFs and it seemed to work well.
MSPs seem to agree, and Box.net is pushing deeper into the MSP market. According to Box.net’s Twitter feed:
“Box should be integrated with Connectwise and Autotask in the next month. Should make billing easier for our channel partners.”
I was supposed to connect with the Box.net folks a few weeks ago on the phone, but flight changes messed up my schedule (how’s that for a belated open apology for missing the call…). I’ll be reaching out to Box.net to learn more about their PSA (professional services automation) integration efforts with ConnectWise and Autotask.
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Joe, I may be speaking out of school here, but it’s never stopped me in the past…
When we first signed box.net as a partner, they asked us what key things they could do to differentiate themselves in the Managed Services market (the sign of any good company – actually asking what best serves the market). We mentioned to them that removing the headache of manual billing would be a great thing to do. I’m thrilled they have decided to move forward with integration, and most importantly, have understood the value of BILLING integration.
VARs and MSPs benefit from products like Connectwise and Autotask because they recover lost billing, better organize information, and save lost time.
I believe that all things being equal, Connectwise and Autotask integration will make things unequal. One thing we know at VirtualAdministrator.com is the plight of the small IT service provider and how often billing falls behind or doesn’t happen because of the double entry required. Entry of agreements can be missed as the entire thing is a manual process. By doing what they plan to do, Box.Net will once again leverage integration (see also their OpenBox options) in a way that elevates them over the competition.
We have encouraged all of our vendor partners to integrate their billing – currently Connectwise is working toward a revision of their Kaseya connector to support the hosted world, SpamSoap integrates now, we’re working with SonicWALL to re-write the GMS connector to support the hosted GMS environment for Connectwise, and from my understanding Intronis is in the beginning stages of a billing connector as well.
As usual, box.net has listened and acted in a fashion that best serves its market. In the end, that’s what separates the winners from the losers in the MSP world, and hopefully will resonate throughout.
Rich Forsen
VirtualAdministrator.com
Did ya’ll ever confirm if Box followed through with their promise of [CW/AT] integration?
Niv: I’ll check in with Box.net and get you an answer.
-jp