https://www.channelfutures.com/wp-content/themes/channelfutures_child/assets/images/logo/footer-new-logo.png
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Back
    • SDN/SD-WAN
    • Cloud
    • RMM/PSA
    • Security
    • Telephony/UC/Collaboration
    • Cable
    • Mobility & Wireless
    • Fiber/Ethernet
    • Data Centers
    • Backup & Disaster Recovery
    • IoT
    • Desktop
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Analytics
  • Strategy
    • Back
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Channel Research
    • Business Models
    • Distribution
    • Technology Solutions Brokerages
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Best Practices
    • Vertical Markets
    • Regulation & Compliance
    • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • MSP 501
    • Back
    • 2022 MSP 501 Rankings
    • 2022 NextGen 101 Rankings
    • MSP 501 Information Center
  • Intelligence
    • Back
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • From the Industry
    • Reports/Digital Issues
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • Channel Futures TV
  • EMEA
  • Channel Chatter
    • Back
    • People on the Move
    • New/Changing Channel Programs
    • New Products & Services
    • Industry Honors
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Advisory Boards
    • Industry Organizations
    • Our Sponsors
    • Advertise
    • 2022 Editorial Calendar
  • Awards
    • Back
    • 2022 MSP 501
    • Channel Influencers
    • Circle of Excellence
    • DE&I 101
    • Channel Partners 101 (CP 101)
  • Events
    • Back
    • CP Conference & Expo
    • MSP Summit
    • Channel Partners Europe
    • Channel Partners Event Coverage
    • Webinars
    • Industry Events
  • About Us
  • DE&I
Channel Futures
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Back
    • SDN/SD-WAN
    • Cloud
    • RMM/PSA
    • Security
    • Telephony/UC/Collaboration
    • Cable
    • Mobility & Wireless
    • Fiber/Ethernet
    • Data Centers
    • Backup & Disaster Recovery
    • IoT
    • Desktop
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Analytics
  • Strategy
    • Back
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Channel Research
    • Business Models
    • Distribution
    • Technology Solutions Brokerages
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Best Practices
    • Vertical Markets
    • Regulation & Compliance
    • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • MSP 501
    • Back
    • 2022 MSP 501 Rankings
    • 2022 NextGen 101 Rankings
    • MSP 501 Information Center
  • Intelligence
    • Back
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • From the Industry
    • Reports/Digital Issues
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • Channel Futures TV
  • EMEA
  • Channel Chatter
    • Back
    • People on the Move
    • New/Changing Channel Programs
    • New Products & Services
    • Industry Honors
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Advisory Boards
    • Industry Organizations
    • Our Sponsors
    • Advertise
    • 2022 Editorial Calendar
  • Awards
    • Back
    • 2022 MSP 501
    • Channel Influencers
    • Circle of Excellence
    • DE&I 101
    • Channel Partners 101 (CP 101)
  • Events
    • Back
    • CP Conference & Expo
    • MSP Summit
    • Channel Partners Europe
    • Channel Partners Event Coverage
    • Webinars
    • Industry Events
  • About Us
  • DE&I
    • Newsletter
  • REGISTER
  • MSPs
  • VARs / SIs
  • Agents
  • Cloud Service Providers
  • Channel Partners Events
 Channel Futures

Cloud


eFolder CEO Kevin Hoffman VP of Marketing Ted Hulsy and eFolder VP and GM Bryan Forrester

eFolder Buys Anchor: Cloud BDR Meets File Sync & Sharing

  • Written by Joe Panettieri 1
  • September 16, 2013
eFolder is buying Anchor, combining cloud storage, backup, disaster recovery, file syncing and sharing services for MSPs.

eFolder has acquired Anchor — creating a pure channel alternative to Box, Dropbox and other popular cloud-based file sync and sharing services, MSPmentor has learned. In some ways, this is yet another MSP software M&A deal. In other ways, the eFolder-Anchor business combination could have far bigger implications for channel partners seeking cloud storage, business continuity and file sharing services from a single organization.

eFolder previously partnered with Mezeo for file syncing services since about June 2013. But that relationship will take a back seat now that eFolder is buying Anchor. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Among the variables MSPs should note:

  • eFolder has about 57 employees and 1250 partners. The company focuses on branded cloud backup, BDR, replication, and email security. While CEO Kevin Hoffman focuses on the technology, VP of Marketing Ted Hulsy drives marketing and channel engagements.
  • Anchor has about 23 employees and 350 partners. The start-up company wrote a home-grown cloud-based file sharing and syncing platform specifically for MSPs. Anchor’s Bryan Forrester will run the new eFolder division as VP of business development and general manager.

Rivals Everywhere

Admittedly, a lengthy list of file sharing and syncing services is moving into the channel. In the mid-market sector, players such as Egnyte have partnered up with Google, NetApp and NetGear. Also, familiar brands like Box and Dropbox are working hard to recruit resellers.

But Hulsy says the eFolder-Anchor business combination brings partners a unique blend of cloud storage, BDR and file sync services that MSPs can brand and promote on their own. Also, MSPs can host the Anchor software on their own if they so choose.

Some Partners Celebrate

True believers in the deal include SNC Squared — an MSP that works with both eFolder and Anchor, according to CEO John Motazedi. “At the end of the day eFolder is rounding our their product offering of cloud based storage,” said Motazedi. “This is a good solution for eFolder and a great solution for their partners. We have a one-stop solution that simplifies my technical support and software offerings.”

SNC Squared works with eFolder because “we were looking for a partner with local U.S.-based facilities with great product that covered all aspects of backups,” said Motazedi. “These included image- and file-based [backup] with offsite cloud recovery options.”

Moreover, SNC works with Anchor because “we were trying to find a way to fill the requirements of our clients for a file and folder storage and sharing solutions,” said Motazedi. “We needed the product to be brandable, affordable and robust.”

Bigger Picture

The combined eFolder-Anchor company certainly is not a technology giant. At 80 employees, the organization is small compared to larger companies competing in the cloud backup, file sync and MSP software markets. 

But eFolder’s Hulsy and the Anchror team know their way around the MSP market. Hulsy is particularly active within MSP communities like HTG Peer Groups. Somewhat similarly, the Anchor team has focused at a range of MSP events over the past year. 

Think of it this way: eFolder and Anchor have been growing up in the MSP market, while giants like Box and Dropbox are working hard to parachute into the MSP community. That should make for some interesting competition in the weeks and months ahead.

Tags: Agents Cloud Service Providers MSPs VARs/SIs Cloud Technologies

Most Recent


  • Making Waves
    7 Channel People Making Waves This Week at Datto, New Relic, Kyndryl, More
    Our No.1 story was a video segment highlighting IBM.
  • Fireworks
    Cybersecurity Experts: July 4th Weekend Ripe for Ransomware, Other Attacks
    Russia definitely has motivation to exploit the July 4th holiday in some way.
  • Old job new job
    New Pure Storage EMEA Channel Leader Details Jump from Veritas
    Geoff Greenlaw says he wanted to join a high-growth company after 18 years at Veritas.
  • Unemployed, laid off
    Qumulo Confirms Layoffs, Citing Economic Conditions, Reaching Profitability
    Qumulo has raised $351 million in funding at a valuation of more than $1.2 billion.

8 comments

  1. Avatar Max Pruger September 16, 2013 @ 1:56 pm
    Reply

    Congratulations to Bryan
    Congratulations to Bryan Forrester. He’s a good guy and I wish him much success with this acquisition.

  2. Avatar Katie Braband September 16, 2013 @ 4:24 pm
    Reply

    The channel has seen quite a
    The channel has seen quite a few acquisitions this year, and I think many would agree they have not always been in the best interest of MSP partners. Anchor joining the eFolder family is truly a win for the channel – both for our current partners, and eFolder partners looking to offer a secure, brandable, and affordable file sync & sharing platform.

    I’m excited about the new resources and positive changes this brings to Anchor partners, and look forward to welcoming eFolder partners to the Anchor platform.

    Katie Braband
    Director of Channel Development, Anchor

  3. Avatar CA MSP September 16, 2013 @ 6:02 pm
    Reply

    What was the purchase price
    What was the purchase price or if it’s not available — what is your best guess Joe?

    • Avatar Joe Panettieri September 25, 2013 @ 5:04 am
      Reply

      Hi CA MSP: In this case I
      Hi CA MSP: In this case I can’t render a best guess because there’s so little public history on Anchor.
      -jp

  4. Avatar H Pittman September 19, 2013 @ 4:35 pm
    Reply

    From the viewpoint of a
    From the viewpoint of a small, start-up MSP, it would be nice if their pricing quantities and minimums matched.

    Current situation: eFolder requires a minimum of 100.00 in usage, whereas, Anchor requires 250.00 minimum with SaaS model with 25 users. The Anchor in-house, private cloud model requires a minimum of 495.00 recurring for 100 user licenses.

    • Avatar Joe Panettieri September 25, 2013 @ 5:05 am
      Reply

      H Pittman: As we cover this
      H Pittman: As we cover this deal in the days and weeks ahead, I’ll be sure to ask eFolder if there are plans to coordinate the pricing levels across eFolder and Anchor.
      -jp

  5. Avatar Jim Turner October 17, 2013 @ 11:33 pm
    Reply

    What are the chances that
    What are the chances that eFolder gets acquired by Dell? They seem to have a cozy relationship due to the fact that Dell AppAssure uses eFolder. I personally don’t trust Dell coming too close to my clients.

    • Avatar Joe Panettieri October 18, 2013 @ 2:05 pm
      Reply

      Hey Jim: Thanks for your
      Hey Jim: Thanks for your readership and comment. A few random thoughts:

      1. Dell’s Software Strategy: Michael Dell is trying to build a $5 billion software business. My personal belief is he wants to buy software companies that generate $100M or more in annual revenues focused on enterprise data centers.

      2. The Bad: Dell recently killed PacketTrap, the PSA and RMM platform for MSPs. I suspect revenues were $15 million or less. That type of revenue stream no longer interests Michael Dell unless there’s a rapid, clear path to $100M and beyond.

      3. The Good: Dell has the most consistent channel leadership of all the major IT vendors. I know that sounds crazy but I truly believe it.

      Bottom line: eFolder has a growing business with loyal MSPs. eFolder has also had a good relationship with Dell. Now, eFolder’s Anchor acquisition is a natural extension for MSPs. Would I be shocked if Dell purchased eFolder? No. Have I heard that type of rumor? No. Do I think Michael Dell is looking more towards enterprise data center software for global 2000 companies? Yes.

      Again, just my 2 cents…
      -jp

Leave a comment Cancel reply

-or-

Log in with your Channel Futures account

Alternatively, post a comment by completing the form below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • Woman with questions
    Should We Just Call Master Agents Distributors?
  • Stressed young people
    More Partner Pain Points: MSPs On Lack of End-to-End Security, 'New Normal'
  • Partner programs
    Commvault Adds New MSP Partner Program with Specific Pricing
  • Benefit, Plus Sign
    TBI, Avant Add New Cloud, Security Suppliers to Lineups

Upcoming Events

View all

MSP Summit

September 13, 2022 - September 16, 2022

Channel Partners Conference & Expo

May 1, 2023 - May 4, 2023

Galleries

View all

7 Channel People Making Waves This Week at Datto, New Relic, Kyndryl, More

July 1, 2022

Cybersecurity Experts: July 4th Weekend Ripe for Ransomware, Other Attacks

July 1, 2022

Images: HPE Discover 2022 Expo Hall Featuring Microsoft, Ingram Micro, VMware

July 1, 2022

Industry Perspectives

View all

How to Make Embracing Change Part of Your Company Culture

July 1, 2022

How to Differentiate to Leverage 5G’s Revenue Opportunity

June 28, 2022

Why MSPs are Attractive Cyberattack Targets

June 24, 2022

Webinars

View all

VEP Platform for Delivery of uCPE, SD-WAN and SASE

June 29, 2022

The Digital Worker: How to Empower Customers with a Flexible, Scalable VDI Solution to Enable Remote Work

June 30, 2022

Growing Partner Revenue and Customer Satisfaction with Power Management Services

June 23, 2022

White Papers

View all

Work Goes Remote – (and Other Top ITOps Trends)

May 25, 2022

The New Bottom Line: How MSPs Can Meet the Healthcare Crisis While Evolving Their Businesses

April 19, 2022

How to build a Security Operations Center (on a budget)

April 4, 2022

Channel Futures TV

View all

Vonage a ‘Single Communications Stack Provider’ for Partners, Customers

IBM, Partners and the $1 Trillion Hybrid Cloud Opportunity

June 26, 2022

Agents Share ‘Secrets,’ Industry Opportunity

May 11, 2022

AT&T, Microsoft, Cisco, ThreatLocker on Unlocking Partner Potential

May 6, 2022

Twitter

ChannelFutures

Channel people making waves this week include: @jpdepa3rd, @RiyaShanmugam, @sandyhogan dlvr.it/STCM6S https://t.co/oVB86ztTtP

July 1, 2022
ChannelFutures

#Cybersecurity experts say July 4th weekend ripe for #ransomware, other attacks. @blumirasec @Netenrich @Vectra_AI… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

July 1, 2022
ChannelFutures

New @PureStorage #ITchannel leader details jump from Veritas. dlvr.it/STBsLB https://t.co/BFSmZ5ubff

July 1, 2022
ChannelFutures

New Pure Storage EMEA Channel Leader Details Jump from Veritas dlvr.it/STBrPQ https://t.co/LjFXo6FbVF

July 1, 2022
ChannelFutures

.@qumulo latest channel business to confirm layoffs impacting 80 workers. #storage dlvr.it/STBh1L https://t.co/hE10wBA3ka

July 1, 2022
ChannelFutures

Ranking on the #MSP501 isn't just an industry accolade... it brings pride to each company and their team. Congratu… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

July 1, 2022
ChannelFutures

Company culture is ever changing in today's society - here are ways to embrace that change with @coxbusiness… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

July 1, 2022
ChannelFutures

#HPEDiscover expo hall images. Featuring @IngramMicroInc @msPartner @Veeam @Commvault and more.… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

July 1, 2022

MSP 501

The industry's largest and most comprehensive partner awards program.

Newsletters and Updates

Sign up for The Channel Report, Channel Futures Update, MSP 501 Newsletter and more.

Live Channel Events

Get the latest information on the next industry-leading Channel Partners event.

Galleries

Educational slide shows and images from live events.

Media Kit And Advertising

Want to reach our audience? Access our media kit.

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • Channel Partners Events
  • Telecoms.com
  • MSP 501
  • Black Hat
  • IoT World Today
  • Omdia

WORKING WITH US

  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter

FOLLOW Channel Futures ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2022 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X