Managed Services Franchise Embraces CentraStage SaaS

Computer Troubleshooters (which has roughly 475 managed services franchises locations worldwide and nearly 40 locations in the UK) is partnering with CentraStage — a SaaS-based remote monitoring and management (RMM) company in the United Kingdom. The Computer Troubleshooters-CentraStage relationship reveals three larger trends in the managed services market. Here they are.

First, the background: CentraStage has been making considerable noise in the European managed services market. The company positions itself as a low-cost SaaS alternative to Kaseya‘s managed services tools. CentraStage charges £1 per device per month, the company notes. With those financial metrics in mind, Computer Troubleshooters has signed a Preferred Vendor agreement with CentraStage.

According to terms of the deal:

“The partnership will allow Computer Troubleshooters to offer its members a remote device management service via CentraStage’s cloud offering; CentraStage Online.”

Computer Troubleshooters can now deliver a range of new services including IT audits, PC and server monitoring, remote support, script and software deployment, device management and configuration, software licensing and reporting — through…CentraStage Online.”

Sounds Familiar

Computer Troubleshooters in 2009 signed similar agreements with both Autotask and NTRglobal. But there are some important variables to note: I believe the Autotask and NTRglobal deals are global in nature. I think the CentraStage-Computer Troubleshooters relationship is more intensely focused on Europe, with a particular focus on the UK. But I need to double-check that assumption.

Also of note: I don’t believe Computer Troubleshooters franchises are “required” to use/leverage CentraStage. Rather, I think the agreement simply provides economies of scale and simplified licensing to Computer Troubleshooters locations that decide to opt in for the service.

Three Trends Worth Noting

Still, there are three bigger stories here:

• First, MSPmentor continues to see software providers signing volume relationships with VAR organizations, distributors and user groups. Additional examples include a range of SaaS and MSP software available through Ingram Micro Seismic and HTG Peer Groups standardizing on ConnectWise‘s professional services automation (PSA) software.
• Second, upstart RMM (remote monitoring and management) software providers are promoting themselves as Kaseya alternatives. The reason: Kaseya has a large installed base of MSPs, and the February 2010 launch of Kaseya 2 creates an inflection point for many of those MSPs. MSPmentor will be tracking down 5 related stories during the Kaseya Connect User Conference, which starts June 1 in Las Vegas.
• Third, MSP software activity in the European market has accelerated in recent weeks. Additional moves involve hosted PacketTrap and hosted LabTech Software, respectively, debuting in the UK.

MSPmentor is reaching out to Computer Troubleshooters for an update on their various MSP software relationships.

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