Lenovo is quietly working to integrate its mobile, desktop and server hardware with a range of RMM (remote monitoring and management) and PSA (professional services automation) platforms for managed service providers. Frankly, I'm surprised we're not hearing similar types of statements from more PC vendors. Here are some observations.

Joe Panettieri, Former Editorial Director

September 1, 2009

2 Min Read
Lenovo Integrating With Managed Services Platforms

lenovo-headquarters

lenovo-headquarters

Lenovo is quietly working to integrate its mobile, desktop and server hardware with a range of RMM (remote monitoring and management) and PSA (professional services automation) platforms for managed service providers. Frankly, I’m surprised we’re not hearing similar types of statements from more PC vendors. Here are some observations.

Let’s start with the work at Lenovo. According to Jay McBain, director of SMB, Lenovo’s managed services integration work involves key platforms from Autotask, ConnectWise, Kaseya, Level Platforms, N-able and Zenith Infotech, among others. McBain stopped short of discussing delivery dates but he said Lenovo is committed to broad MSP platform support.

McBain asserts that Lenovo has an advantage in the managed services market, since Lenovo’s R&D work has long included software to ease enterprise systems management. He points to Lenovo’s ThinkVantage Technologies as proof that the company understands how to drive down the total cost of owning and maintaining servers, desktops and mobile systems.

PCs and MSPs

Until now, most of the PC-MSP integration chatter has involved Intel’s vPro technology. That’s a solid first step for the PC market, but I’m surprised PC makers themselves haven’t been more vocal about their commitment to supporting MSPs.

In recent weeks, I’ve heard some chatter from Toshiba — which appears to be working on relationships with several RMM and PSA tool providers. And Dell is certainly connecting the dots between its hardware and managed services software (Silverback and Everdream). But Hewlett-Packard has been particularly quiet, and I need to circle back with them to see if their PC division is getting serious about MSP platform support.

Meanwhole, Lenovo has gone on the record with its integration strategy. Rival PC makers need to follow suit.

Follow The VAR Guy via RSS; Facebook; Identi.ca; Twitter; and via his Newsletter; Webcasts and Resource Center.

Read more about:

MSPs

About the Author(s)

Joe Panettieri

Former Editorial Director, Nine Lives Media, a division of Penton Media

Free Newsletters for the Channel
Register for Your Free Newsletter Now

You May Also Like