Joe Panettieri, Former Editorial Director

April 3, 2009

2 Min Read
VirtualAdministrator Expands Master MSP Suite

VirtualAdministrator wants to be more than a one-trick pony. The master MSP, best known for hosting Kaseya software for peer VARs and MSPs, is launching a range of new hosted services and education services for MSPs. Here’s a quick look at the strategy.

First, I’d like to set expectations: I’m catching a flight in a few minutes, so there isn’t much analysis below nor do I have time to reach out to other master MSPs for their perspectives. Readers, feel free to fill in the blanks.

Now, the facts:

VirtualAdministrator has embraced SpamSOAP (an anti-spam solution) and a new service known as SonicWALL Triple Play. The SonicWall-focused effort includes procurement assistance (with preferential pricing for VirtualAdministrator partners), preconfiguration services, and a hosted, brandable GMS offering. All VirtualAdministrator services are offered on a unit-by-unit basis, according to company co-founder Rich Forsen.

Additional tidbits from Forsen include:

  • Virtual Administrator will partner with Intronis to provide a brandable remote backup solution that includes file, Exchange Server and SQL Server functionality at “competitive prices,” again on a per-unit basis without either a long term or large size commitment.

  • WebByVA.com will provide VirtualAdministrator partners with the ability to create a quick-start hosting business (including domains, web sites and the ever popular Hosted Exchange), at a minimal cost per year.

  • The company has launched a coaching and training effort known as the Trusted Advisor Program (VA TAP). Forsen says TAP “will provide  a customized coaching relationship that prepares small VARs for life in the MSP world and will position them to leverage programs available through industry pundits like Erick Simpson, Robin Robins, and Gary Pica.”

Kaseya SaaS

Again, I’ve got to run to a flight. But here’s one quick observation: VirtualAdministrator has managed to offer hosted Kaseya and expand into new service areas while Kaseya itself is still polishing its SaaS strategy. That’s ironic and interesting.

But I’m not throwing Kaseya under the bus. VirtualAdministrator, as a start-up, can choose to serve specific target markets while scaling its business. In stark contrast, I think Kaseya wants to make sure its SaaS strategy has enterprise scope, global NOCs, etc.

If I had to guess, Kaseya will have lots to say about SaaS during the company’s 2009 user conference, May 26-28 in Las Vegas. In the meantime, VirtualAdministrator is pushing beyond its Kaseya heritage.

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About the Author(s)

Joe Panettieri

Former Editorial Director, Nine Lives Media, a division of Penton Media

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