Dell: ProManage Managed Services In Europe?

A report suggests that Dell is about to launch ProManage Managed Services in Europe. If true, the move would represent the latest in a growing list of managed services moves across Europe. Plus, I think Dell will extend the ProManage brand into new technology markets. Here’s the early buzz.

Please note that I have not confirmed Dell’s alleged European move. I’ve reached out to Dell for comment and will keep you posted. Dell launched ProManage Managed Services across the US in April 2009. The strategy involves a direct sales initiative by Dell plus an agent reseller model for managed service providers. At the time, Dell insiders told me a European move was planned but no date had been disclosed to me.

Looking ahead, I expect Dell to take ProManage in two directions…

1. Extending the ProManage Brand: Imagine if there was ProManage security services, ProManage storage services, ProManage SaaS (Software as a Service). Dell hasn’t officially confirmed the ProManage brand extension strategy to me. But based on a few conversations with informed sources, I believe it’s coming.

2. Extending ProManage Managed Services into Europe: This is definitely coming. The question: When? The apparent answer: Monday, June 29, according to Hack In the Box. Initially, the services will be available English, with European languages set to follow in October 2009, according to Hack In the Box. I’ve got emails into Dell sources seeking official comment on Hack In the Box’s report.

European Showdown

If the report is true, Dell enters an increasingly crowded managed services market in Europe.

Some MSP-oriented software companies (such as Nimsoft and Severa) got their start in Europe. And most of North America’s MSP software providers have either opened European offices or launched SaaS (software as a service) programs that extend into Europe.

Plus, we’re seeing hardware companies sort out European MSP strategies. Two prime examples:

• Intel, quietly working with N-able, is building a managed services cloud across Europe. It’s called Multi-Site Director.
• Gateway, working with Level Platforms, has launched Gateway Managed Services — which will extend across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

More moves are coming. Ingram Micro Services VP Justin Crotty and CEO Greg Spierkel both have told me that Ingram Micro Seismic will ultimately go international.

If you’re aware of more European moves please let me know.

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