In a rare feat, N-able has convinced rival executives from Autotask, ConnectWise and Tigerpaw Software to share the stage at this week's N-able Partner Summit in Dallas, Texas. It could be a defining moment for the managed services industry. Here's why.

Joe Panettieri, Former Editorial Director

October 23, 2008

2 Min Read
Can Autotask, ConnectWise Share Single Stage?

N-able Partner Summit 2008In a rare feat, N-able has convinced rival executives from Autotask, ConnectWise and Tigerpaw Software to share the stage at this week’s N-able Partner Summit in Dallas, Texas. It could be a defining moment for the managed services industry. Here’s why.

For an industry to grow, you need innovative solutions, healthy debate and open communications. From time to time, it’s healthy for fierce rivals to share a single stage for the greater good of an industry.

That rare event will occur October 23 in Dallas, during a discussion about Professional Services Automation solutions. Organized by N-able (the conference host), the panel will include:

Autotask and ConnectWise, in particular, have a colorful history of competition (to put it politely). But I’m hoping we see more panels like this — and more moments in the managed services industry where fierce rivals come together to share (and debate) their views and strategies.

Growing Up Together

Bill Gates and Steve Jobs have spent decades competing — fiercely — against each other. But on several occasions, Gates and Jobs actually sat down with one another for healthy debate and discussion. When rivals come together to share their perspectives, eyes open, customers learn and industries march forward.

Microsoft and Apple continue to have their differences. And they spend millions of dollars marketing their wares against each other. But their commitment to several common standards (Ethernet, TCP/IP, USB, etc.) created new opportunities for customers and partners.

Much like the PC market in the mid-1980s, the managed services industry is learning to walk. For the MSP industry to march forward, we need more moments where rivals come together to share their views.

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About the Author(s)

Joe Panettieri

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

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