Other than
MSPWorld, which is actually this fall and an event everyone should attend, there are 3
managed services events that I'm particularly looking forward to this summer. I wanted to write a little about each one and explain why I'm looking forward to these events.
IBM Edge
IBM is everywhere lately. I mean everywhere! Just in the past 12 months IBM folks have been coming to MSPAlliance events all over the world. This tells me that IBM is very serious about the managed services marketplace. This shouldn't be a big surprise considering the vast amount of technologies IBM has amassed over the years, including cloud computing tools. At this particular event, IBM will have a micro event dedicated to MSPs. I will be curious to see how IBM messages to the MSPs, as well as how the MSPs respond to that messaging. What is not in doubt is that IBM clearly wants to be an influential player in the cloud and managed services profession. I think they are making good on that intention.
Asigra Partner Conference
While everyone knows Asigra as a cloud backup storage vendor, for those of you who have never attended the Asigra partner conference it is something to behold. First, unlike other "managed services" channel events, this one obviously is focused on backup. What makes the event unusual is the large number of MSPs dedicated or heavily focused on backup solutions. You just don't see this type of gathering of highly vertical MSPs.
I've heard that Asigra plans on making some rather big announcements this summer, including their continued march into cloud backup features. And, as always, I'm looking forward to seeing all the MSPAlliance members.
GFI Partner Conference
While I've never been to the GFI partner conference I do know a lot of our members who use GFI. What is particularly interesting to me is how this community will be responding, if at all, to the recent . GFI has blazed a trail in the SMB part of the MSP channel and has been known for providing a lot of useful content and training for its partners. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this in action.
