Managed Services M&A: FusionStorm Acquires CentriServ
FusionStorm, an MSP 100 company, has purchased CentriServ, a consulting company that focuses on client-side virtualization. This is the latest in a flurry of mergers and acquisitions across the managed services market. And it’s the second acquisition for FusionStorm in recent months.
The King of Prussia, Pa.-based CentriServ offers consulting and implementation services around server-based, virtual-client computing, according to FusionStorm. CentriServ lists Citrix, Microsoft and VMware among its client virtualization vendor partners.
Client virtualization, also known as desktop virtualization, aims to push processing chores off the desktop to the server. Different flavors exist. In some cases, desktop virtualization involves thin clients sharing server-based applications. In other models, a user’s entire desktop — applications, OS, and data — exists as a virtual machine on a central server.
FusionStorm said the deal will help it design and delivery client virtualization to customer who run their own IT systems. The company said it also plans to offer hosted and managed virtual client solutions via desktop-as-a-service and software-as-service cloud approaches.
The acquisition is the second for FusionStorm in as many months. In December 2009, the company announced the acquisition of the Adexis division of Cranel. Adexis provides systems, storage and networking technologies.
MSPmentor will be back later with more analysis of the FusionStorm-CentriServ deal.
