https://www.channelfutures.com/wp-content/themes/channelfutures_child/assets/images/logo/footer-new-logo.png
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Back
    • Analytics
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cloud
    • Data Centers
    • Desktop
    • IoT
    • Mobility
    • Networking
    • Open Source
    • RMM/PSA
    • Security
    • Virtualization
    • Voice/Connectivity
  • Strategy
    • Back
    • Best Practices
    • Business Models
    • Channel 101
    • Channel Programs
    • Channel Research
    • Digital Transformation
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Leadership
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Specialty Practices
  • MSSP Insider
    • Back
    • Business of Security
    • Cloud and Edge
    • Endpoint
    • Network
    • People and Careers
    • Training and Policies
  • MSP 501
    • Back
    • 2021 MSP 501 Application
    • 2020 MSP 501 Rankings
    • 2020 Hot 101 Rankings
    • 2020 MSP 501 Report
  • Intelligence
    • Back
    • Our Sponsors
    • From the Industry
    • Content Resources
    • COVID-19 Partner Help
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Reports
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • EMEA
  • Awards
    • Back
    • Excellence in Digital Services
    • 2021 MSP 501
    • Top Gun 51
  • Events
    • Back
    • CP Conference & Expo
    • Channel Partners Evolution
    • Channel Evolution Europe
    • Channel Partners Event Coverage
    • Webinars
  • Channel Mentor
    • Back
    • Channel Market Intelligence
    • Channel Educational Series
Channel Futures
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Back
    • Analytics
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cloud
    • Data Centers
    • Desktop
    • IoT
    • Mobility
    • Networking
    • Open Source
    • RMM/PSA
    • Security
    • Virtualization
    • Voice/Connectivity
  • Strategy
    • Back
    • Best Practices
    • Business Models
    • Channel 101
    • Channel Programs
    • Channel Research
    • Digital Transformation
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Leadership
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Specialty Practices
  • MSSP Insider
    • Back
    • Business of Security
    • Cloud and Edge
    • Endpoint
    • Network
    • People and Careers
    • Training and Policies
  • MSP 501
    • Back
    • 2021 MSP 501 Application
    • 2020 MSP 501 Rankings
    • 2020 Hot 101 Rankings
    • 2020 MSP 501 Report
  • Intelligence
    • Back
    • Our Sponsors
    • From the Industry
    • Content Resources
    • COVID-19 Partner Help
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Reports
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • EMEA
  • Awards
    • Back
    • Excellence in Digital Services
    • 2021 MSP 501
    • Top Gun 51
  • Events
    • Back
    • CP Conference & Expo
    • Channel Partners Evolution
    • Channel Evolution Europe
    • Channel Partners Event Coverage
    • Webinars
  • Channel Mentor
    • Back
    • Channel Market Intelligence
    • Channel Educational Series
    • Newsletter
  • REGISTER
  • MSPs
  • VARs / SIs
  • Digital Service Providers
  • Cloud Service Providers
  • CHANNEL PARTNERS ONLINE
 Channel Futures

Technologies


Microsoft’s Managed Services Team Discovers the Power of PSA

  • Written by Joe Panettieri 1
  • March 24, 2011
Rewind to the ConnectWise IT Nation conference in November 2010. At the time, a Microsoft Windows Intune executive quietly attended the conference to learn about the managed services market.

Rewind to the ConnectWise IT Nation conference in November 2010. At the time, a Microsoft Windows Intune executive quietly attended the conference to learn about the managed services market. Fast forward to the present and this week’s Windows Intune launch includes integration with major PSA (professional services automation) systems like ConnectWise and Autotask. Here’s the update.

As a reminder, Windows Intune is a cloud-based managed services platform. It allows MSPs and IT managers to maintain PCs and mobile devices running Windows 7. Generally speaking, I think Windows Intune will appeal to pure Windows shops but I’ve criticized it a bit for failing to support additional operating systems like Mac OS, iOS, Linux and Android.

Still, to Microsoft’s credit, the company has been closely studying the managed services market. When Windows Intune arrived this week, both ConnectWise and Autotask issued press releases promoting integration with the Microsoft platform.

  • From the Autotask camp: “Service providers using InTune’s desktop monitoring can configure the tool to generate e-mail alerts that can be automatically converted into service tickets inside Autotask.”
  • From the ConnectWise team: “ConnectWise and Windows Intune combine seamlessly to deliver an integrated workflow that includes problem alerting, tracking, remediation, and billing for work performed by MSPs.”
  • I’ve reached out to other MSP-centric software companies to see if they plan to integrate with Windows Intune.

Also of interest: Microsoft also is positioning Windows Intune for VARs because:

  1. There’s no price barrier to the Windows 7 Desktop
  2. You can double BPOS proceeds by adding Windows Intune (maybe more with Office 365)
  3. Free up capital for your services
  4. Break into managed services

(For more details check out this Microsoft-authored blog.)

If Windows Intune catches on with VARs, perhaps Microsoft can also raise PSA’s visibility within the VAR community — a key step that both Autotask and ConnectWise have been trying to take.

Sign up for MSPmentor’s Weekly Enewsletter, Webcasts and Resource Center. Follow us via RSS, Facebook, Identi.ca and Twitter. Check out more MSP voices at www.MSPtweet.com. Read our editorial disclosure here.

Tags: Cloud Service Providers Digital Service Providers MSPs VARs/SIs Cloud RMM/PSA Technologies

Related


  • Select a Hire
    AvePoint Taps Ingram Micro, Palo Alto Networks Vet to Lead Channel
    He held channel exec roles at Ingram and Palo Alto Networks
  • Word conclusion on paper
    Microsoft Conclusion on SolarWinds Hack 'Conflicts' with Other Messages
    A concerning aspect of this attack is that security companies were a clear target.
  • Hybrid clouds
    IBM, Oracle, Dell, VMware Put Hybrid Cloud Center Stage
    We highlight platforms and initiatives each company has so far unveiled in February.
  • Black History Month
    Black History Month: Celebrating Tech Pioneers
    From the 19th century to present day, their accomplishments are remarkable.

6 comments

  1. Avatar Rick March 25, 2011 @ 4:34 pm
    Reply

    4 Reasons why my company as an MSP will never adopt Intune:

    1) Doesn’t support servers, only desktop OS
    2) Actually cost prohibitive…$11/mo per desktop license. Other leading RMM’s are MUCH less expensive. This price is also regulated by Microsoft.
    3) We don’t control the billing relationship
    4) Since this is a Microsoft product direct from Microsoft, it almost eliminates the need for MSPs in the client’s mind, allowing them to try and manage their systems themselves. “If I can buy this tool and do it myself, why do I need an MSP?”

    Just my thoughts…

  2. Avatar Joe Panettieri March 25, 2011 @ 4:41 pm
    Reply

    Rick: I respect your thoughts. In particular, I’m surprised Microsoft has not changed its stance on item 3. My best guess — call it an educated hunch — is Microsoft will offer partners some sort of cloud billing capability by late 2011 or 2012… once Office 365 is available worldwide and proven to be stable. But that’s just a thesis of mine based on trying to read between the lines.

    Overall, I think Microsoft’s approach to MSPs and cloud computing partners is improving. But item 3 remains a glaring issue for some very vocal channel partners.

    Thanks again for reading MSPmentor.
    -jp

  3. Avatar Steve March 25, 2011 @ 9:07 pm
    Reply

    I work with a well know MSP, that has a close relationship with Microsoft, many of the longer-standing MSP tools and ConnectWise.

    I have been VERY critical of the Microsoft Online Services billing model for a long time and have stood in opposition of that with my peers right in the faces of MOS execs, but I DO think Windows Intune is a simple, solid product that is here now and headed the right direction whether the billing model adjusts or not. Intune does what it says it does, and quite well. It doesn’t provide server management, no, but it does not advertise to that either.

    We’ve already made money and brought in new clients with it that we’ve been unable to reach with our typical MSP services and we don’t view Windows Intune as a threat, but rather as a tool to continue building our practice.

    Item #3 is a challenge, but there are still new and lucrative opportunities with Microsoft Online Services, in particular Windows Intune and Office365/BPOS.

  4. Avatar Joe Panettieri March 26, 2011 @ 12:35 pm
    Reply

    Steve: Thanks for taking the time to share your own experiences in a balanced tone. Pleased keep us posted on your Windows Intune efforts in the weeks/months ahead. I’d love to hear more if/when your time permits.
    -jp

  5. Avatar Chris Boscolo March 31, 2011 @ 3:33 pm
    Reply

    First, full disclosure, Napera has an offering that competes with InTune. (I blogged about it here if you are interested: http://www.napera.com/microsoft/napera-meet-goliath)

    The decision to do direct billing coupled with the fact that it is Windows-only means MSPs can’t layer another solution to handle monitoring servers and non-windows along side InTune with only one bill sent to the customer. Also, I agree with Rick’s point #4.

    Another thing I am curious about is the MSP’s reaction to the built-in endpoint protection. Is this a good thing for MSPs or not?

  6. Avatar Joe Panettieri March 31, 2011 @ 4:24 pm
    Reply

    Chris: I can’t debate you on your points. I think MSPs are weighing all of them. Regarding your point about endpoint protection… I wonder if Microsoft will ever really be known as a security company.

    On the one hand, I see great promise in Windows Intune for end-customers. But on the other hand, Microsoft’s earlier systems management efforts (example: Systems Management Server) didn’t exactly dominate the market…
    -jp

Leave a comment Cancel reply

-or-

Log in with your Channel Futures account

Alternatively, post a comment by completing the form below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • Getting Clients Ready for an 88% Increase in Cloud Adoption
  • Calligo Acquires Decisive Data, Beefs Up Data Insights Services
  • New Zomentum Funding to Directly Benefit MSPs, SMBs
  • Disaster Recovery Planning Includes Ensuring That Data Can Be Recovered

Galleries

View all

Channel Partners Virtual 2021 Is the Hottest Ticket in Town

February 26, 2021

Industry Perspectives

View all

The “Roaring 20s” Are Coming

February 25, 2021

Three Ways MSPs Can Improve Supply Chain Security

February 24, 2021

SASE: The Key to Mitigating Business Transformation Risk

February 22, 2021

Webinars

View all

A Partner’s Perspective on Channel Success in 2021

March 23, 2021

XDR and Why it Matters to MSPs

March 24, 2021

Top Security Trends Impacting Technology Security Providers In 2021

March 25, 2021

White Papers

View all

Ready To Add Cutting Edge IoT Solutions To Your Portfolio?

  • 1
February 25, 2021

What Is The Value Of Distribution For The Internet Of Things?

February 25, 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT): Where do You Begin?

  • 1
February 25, 2021

Upcoming Events

View all

Channel Partners Virtual

March 2, 2021 - March 4, 2021

Channel Partners Conference & Expo

November 1, 2021 - November 4, 2021

Videos and Fastchats

View all

FASTCHAT: How SOAR Eliminates Security Challenges and Elevates Service Provider Revenues

January 6, 2021

Happy Holidays from Channel Partners & Channel Futures!

December 21, 2020

FASTCHAT: How Old, Unpatched Technologies Are Creating New Security Threats for MSPs and Their Customers

December 3, 2020

Twitter

ChannelFutures

.@solarwinds incurring additional expenses in aftermath of massive hack. #cybersecurity dlvr.it/Rtlxzd https://t.co/CpBjkIEaus

March 1, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@IBM working with 65 partners for #CloudSatellite services. @IBMPartners dlvr.it/RtlmDC https://t.co/R6IzgklQ6c

March 1, 2021
ChannelFutures

NOW OPEN: 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 Awards. ✍️ Start your online application today: bit.ly/2021MSP501. Ha… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 1, 2021
ChannelFutures

Applying for the 2021 #MSP501? Check out our FAQs for everything you EVER wanted to know about applying & submittin… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 1, 2021
ChannelFutures

Educate #WFH employees about #phishing and increase emphasis on cybersecurity to avoid a data breach, say @GiacomCM… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

March 1, 2021
ChannelFutures

Amazon WorkSpaces @awscloud DaaS client will be available on @IGEL_Technology virtual endpoint client OS.… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

February 26, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@VMware cutting more workers in California as part of ongoing #workforcerebalancing. #layoffs… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

February 26, 2021
ChannelFutures

#CPVirtual is March 2-4. It’s the hottest ticket in town — any town, since it’s 100% online — so make sure you have… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

February 26, 2021

MSSP Insider

Newsletters and Updates

Sign up for The Channel Report, Channel Futures Update, MSP 501 Newsletter and more.

Live Channel Events

Get the latest information on the next industry-leading Channel Partners event.

Channel Partners Online

Want more? Find more channel news and analysis on our sister site, Channel Partners.

Media Kit And Advertising

Want to reach our audience? Access our media kit

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • Channel Partners Online
  • Channel Partners Events
  • MSP 501
  • MSSP Insider
  • IoT World Today
  • Webhostingtalk

WORKING WITH US

  • Contact
  • About us
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter

FOLLOW Channel Futures ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2021 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X