Update: Dell’s Managed Services Brand

It’s another subtle sign that Dell is listening to feedback. The hardware giant’s lengthy ProManaged Managed Services brand will now be known simply as Dell Managed Services. And yes, Dell’s MSP-centric partner program remains in place. Here are some more details.

I noticed Dell’s apparent managed services branding change while reading Hurwitz and Associates’ blog. The consulting firm has been working with Dell on some sponsored research in the managed services market. Peter Klanian, senior manager for Dell’s  SaaS Global Channels, confirmed the shift to a simplier Dell Managed Services brand in email to me today.

The simplified brand comes as Dell strives to show some MSP partner wins. During 2009, Dell’s MSP partner program was essentially flat — as new SaaS partners came on, some old on-premises partners signed off. (Dell shifted from an on-premises appliance to a SaaS managed services model.)

I realize many MSPs remain wary of working with Dell in a the managed services segment. But some MSPs remain true believers in Dell’s efforts. Dell last week pointed to The IT Pros and Mitchell International as a recent MSP/customer engagement.