MSPAlliance is here in Las Vegas attending the GFI Software Customer Conference 2013. I just listened to Alistair Forbes, general manager for GFI, present his vision for the future of SMB remote monitoring and management (RMM) technology. And, while it was full of the usual updates of pending features, like mobile device management, security, cloud and premise based backup, this event is perhaps different from all the typical RMM user conferences that have come before.
Since the M&A tsunami hit the RMM sector earlier this year, I have (along with the rest of the IT channel) been wondering how these acquisitions would impact the MSPs and the rest of the RMM and MSP enabling companies. After hearing Dr. Forbes present his case for the future of GFI MAX MSPs, I believe GFI is comfortable taking the mantle of RMM leader for the small managed services sector.
Yes, other RMM vendors do play in the SMB space, but they have all been going upstream in search for larger service providers. In some instances, I have heard of MSPs complaining that their vendors were paying less attention to them in an attempt to focus attention on larger, more lucrative MSP opportunities.
I don't get that impression from GFI. The GFI team has been building, for some years now, a dominant position in the SMB market, in part due to the turbulence of other RMM vendors WHP were focused on the smaller end of the SMB segment. GFI's focus is very attuned to MSPs, and they are broadcasting a clearly articulated message that they are open for business and welcoming of MSPs.
Later on today, I'll be moderating a panel discussion of several MSPs about how they have been successful in managed services.
Stay tuned for more updates...
