Synnex Corp. Launches On Demand Managed Services

When it comes to managed services, Synnex Corp. has issued a press release filled with all the right buzzwords. But is the Synnex On Demand Services team serious about managed services? Here’s a look at the announcement’s four key points.

According to Synnex, the company’s new On Demand Services for VARs include:

• The On Demand Field Services which “consists of peripheral, server, desktop, and network installations as well as hardware contract maintenance and hardware recycling services. With over 50,000 technicians available nationwide, end-users have assistance in all their IT needs from simple to very complex levels of support.” MSPmentor’s view: I’m not sure how this constitutes an on-demand service or if it is some type of rival to OnForce’s marketplace for solutions providers. I’m checking with Synnex for a better definition of on demand field services.
• The On Demand Managed Services offering “features three best of breed vendors: DS3 Datavaulting, Perimeter eSecurity and itControl Suite. DS3 Datavaulting provides managed remote data backup and disaster recovery services. Perimeter eSecurity provides VARs with a low cost alternative to enter the managed security space with over 50 distinct managed security services, ranging from intrusion detection and prevention to hosted anti-virus and anti-spam. Also, Synnex recently added itControl Suite’s network management solution. itControl Suite is a leader among network management vendors, offering cutting edge capabilities generally not available elsewhere. In addition, through Synnex subsidiary, Concentrix Corporation, VARs can offer help desk and technical support services.” MSPmentor’s View: Here again, I’m double-checking to see if Synnex is merely reselling these items (similar to Tech Data’s approach) or offering these items through a master MSP model (similar to Ingram Micro’s strategy).
• The On Demand Edge Services offering “completes the technology-as-a-service (TaaS) concept. This Synnex offering includes voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP), remote PBX solutions, PRINTSolvTM – Synnex’s print management solution and remote digital signage capabilities. The On Demand Edge Services are offered on a monthly basis where the end-user pays only for what they use.” MSPmentor’s View: This is intriguing, but will MSPs become resellers for these on-demand edge services or will they be able to offer true value-add to these services?
• The On Demand Professional Services group “is focused on delivering proof of concept field tests and capacity planning/assessment studies to help VARs and their end-users maximize an existing infrastructure while assisting in migration to a virtualized environment.” MSPmentor’s View: As long as they don’t lose account control, many MSPs welcome consulting partnerships and joint engagements that generate customer confidence.

I’ve sent an email to Synnex PR requesting more info about the On Demand announcement. I will be sure to post a follow-up with more perspective once I hear from them.