Seven Managed Services Blogs MSPmentor Didn’t Write: July 23

I’m being pulled in two directions. On one hand the weekend is calling. But on the other hand more deadlines await me here at MSPmentor. Before I stop blogging and actually return some emails and voicemails over the next few hours, here are seven managed services blog entries MSPmentor didn’t have a chance to write for the week ending July 23, 2010.

7. Now for the Encore: Zenith Infotech is on the road talking up its SmartStyle hybrid cloud solution for channel partners. But I have a confession: I know cloud is a hot topic but I’m far more intrigued by Zenith Infotech’s Vu Telepresence strategy, which sounds like Hardware as a Service meets low-cost telepresence.

6. Spreading the Suds: Spam Soap, the spam filtering specialist, already integrates with the ConnectWise PSA (professional services automation) software platform. Next up, it sounds like Spam Soap integrations with Autotask and Kaseya are under development. Plus, potential integrations with Tigerpaw Software and LPI Level Platforms seem likely. At least that’s what I hear…

5. Microsoft Cloud Consultants?: The folks at BPOS-Experts, promoter of BPOS Commander, seem to be making some noise in the Microsoft cloud market. We’re checking in to see if customers are using BPOS-Experts to embrace Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and other portions of Microsoft’s Business Productivity Online Suite.

4. Booked Elsewhere: I noticed Tigerpaw Software President James Foxall is confirmed to speak at Channel Partners Conference and Expo (Sept. 20-22, Washington, D.C.) — a move that should keep the PSA company in front of a telecom- and reseller-oriented crowd. Alas, I can’t attend the event because I’m confirmed for Oracle OpenWorld in San Francisco that week.

3.  Still in the Hunt?: Two sources from separate companies tell us Hewlett-Packard really, really has been considering a managed services software acquisition. But we hear HP was a bit concerned by how MSP software is recognized over the life of an agreement. So, no deal yet… though HP has been busy building its own MSP-oriented software while partnering with Level Platforms on some fronts.

2. Fatal Distraction?: I’m looking forward to CompTIA Breakaway for a number of reasons — including this guilty pleasure.

1. Sorry Folks, Park’s Closed: Actually, you can still sneak into the MSPmentor 250 survey for a few more hours. But the survey officially closes at midnight tonight, east coast time. We’re using the survey to identify the world’s top 250 managed services experts, entrepreneurs, executives, coaches and community leaders.

No need to stuff the ballot box: Nominate a person (even yourself ) a single time. We’ll compile the final list based on the best nominations coupled with our own alleged knowledge of the managed services market.

Thanks for reading MSPmentor. Back soon with more coverage.

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