Generally speaking, many load balancer companies target large enterprises and big service providers. But KEMP Technologies is striving to engage MSPs and even SMBs with cost-effective load balancing solutions. Here are the details.

I spoke with Peter Melerud,  co-founder and VP of product development at Kemp Technologies. Traditionally a reseller for F5 Networks in 2000, Kemp changed directions to provide affordable load-balancing appliances about eight years go, and ever since the recession hit, they’ve been doing great, Melerud claims.

In the past, he concedes, Kemp had a challenge penetrating higher in the enterprise because the company lacked brand recognition. But economic pressures have forced large companies to seek out more affordable technologies like Kemp’s load balancing solutions, he asserts.

Still, MSPs are also a major focus for Kemp. The reason: Smaller companies are looking to outsource their web-apps and servers. Kemp, in turn, is looking to provide load balancing services in a way that’s fiscally feasible both for the customer and the MSP.

The potential solution: Kemp pushed beyond its traditional LoadMaster appliances and launched a new Virtual Machine version. It’s available now for VMware, with Hyper-V support coming soon. The Virtual Appliance LoadMaster, Melerud says, offers a pay-as-you-go model that many MSPs require. “If the customer stops using it, the MSP stops paying for it,” adds Melerud.

Currently the offering is $99 a month for a hosting provider. Partners can become a master Kemp VAR or pursue Kemp solutions through Ingram Micro. Roughly 90 percent of Kemp’s revenues come from channel partners, though the company has some direct business — particularly in the government market.