Microsoft Management Summit: Two Trends Worth Watching
No, Microsoft hasn’t acquired or launched a managed services platform. But the software giant continues to push deeper into the IT management market. In fact, Microsoft this week is hosting an IT management summit in Las Vegas.
Here are two key highlights from the event.
1. Beyond Windows: Microsoft is finally introducing cross-platform tools that manage Windows, Linux and Unix servers. The product’s name may not roll of your tongue (it’s called “System Center Operations Manager 2007 Cross-Platform Extensions Beta”). But I certainly wonder if this tool will eventually find its way into the managed services market.
2. NAA (Not Another Acronym): The tech world certainly doesn’t need another acronym. But MDOP (Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack) is catching on. MDOP includes five tools: application virtualization, asset inventory services, group policy management, diagnostics and recovery toolset, and desktop error monitoring.
Those capabilities certainly apply to the MSP market, but the tools are actually designed for internal IT managers to optimize their own companies’ systems. At least that’s how MDOP tools currently are positioned.
Microsoft will make an acquisition in the msp industry before the close of 2009 or sooner. It’s just too good a fit for microsoft to overlook. Managing Windows desktops remotely? Assisting Vista migrations remotely? It’s surprising that microsoft hasn’t moved faster into this business area.
I’d be more interested in seeing them take Systems Center Configuration Manager to the next level rather than buy ANOTHER company. They have several tools out already they could package and re-tool for MSP’s.
Bill M: Either way, I think it’s safe to say Microsoft is going to have to build out or buy its own platform. Microsoft has a good relationship with N-able and some other platform providers. But can also see Microsoft wanting to empower MSPs with a set of Windows management tools of its own.