Monday Morning Impact – June 5

Tech Data Adds Microsoft Azure to its Cloud Marketplace

Tech Data Corporation has added Microsoft Azure to its ACM Cloud Marketplace, thus providing channel partners with new options for Azure management and related functions.

The program combines discounted Azure services with a streamlined onboarding process, as well as the ability to more easily manage subscriptions, billing and usage. In addition, partners will have access to white-label store-fronts, advanced reporting for end users, and analytics.

As a further benefit to the channel ecosystem, with the Technology Solutions’ Cloud Marketplace now joining forces with Tech Data Cloud’s cloud platform, “StreamOne,” Tech Data partners can leverage a number of additional offerings.

“Technology Solutions’ Cloud Marketplace continues to be a single source for cloud solutions from leading service providers, along with a powerful cloud management toolset,” said Stacy Nethercoat, vice president of Tech Data Cloud, Americas. “Delivering Azure through Tech Data’s StreamOne and ACM gives our partners the ability to address the entire market—from SMB to Enterprise—with the platform that best suits their needs.”

In addition to the cloud, partners can leverage Technology Solutions’ support in complementary technology market segments, including cognitive computing, the data center, data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), mobility, security and enterprise networking, and training and education, as well as consulting and managed services around the Microsoft Azure offering.

Channel Impact^®
As distributors look for ne ways of adding value in a cloud environment, initiatives such as these can go a long way towards reinforcing partner loyalty, as well as the customer business case.

Masergy Adds SD-WAN Managed Service

Masergy has unveiled “SD-WAN Go,” a major extension of its Software-Defined Platform designed to be an agile and cost-effective solution that can be rapidly deployed.

The offering complements Masergy’s existing SD-WAN Pro solution, giving customers two options to address various budgets and connectivity requirements. Both services offer seamless integration with Masergy’s Hybrid Networking solutions.

“Adopting SD-WAN Go is like moving from a paper map to Google Maps,” said Masergy CEO Chris MacFarland. We give users real-time visibility into their WANs.”

SD-WAN Go lets companies use existing or new connections (private, dedicated, broadband or 4G) to securely tunnel and route data across the public Internet and over Masergy’s Software-Defined Platform with simplified provisioning, WAN optimization, centralized policy and configuration management, secure local Internet offload and PoP-to-cloud SLAs.

Channel Impact^®
The move is likely to simplify operations for channel partners seeking to leverage Masergy’s extensive independent Software Defined network platform, delivering hybrid networking, managed security and related cloud solutions.

CompassMSP Acquires Two Florida MSPs

CompassMSP, a Jacksonville, Florida-based managed service provider has acquired two prominent MSPs, thereby extending its footprint in Florida. The acquired companies are Cubed Group of Miami and WorldwideIT of Jacksonville, both of which focus on a broad portfolio of capabilities for small and medium sized businesses in the southeast US.

“By harnessing the strengths of these two companies, we have built a strong foundation for a leading MSP poised for significant growth,” said George Ferris, Chairman of CompassMSP. “WorldwideIT is an award-winning company with a diverse customer base, a powerful culture and strong leadership. Cubed Group is a rapidly growing company in Miami serving a group of dynamic customers with operations throughout Miami and the Caribbean and brings great experience in managed telecom services.”

CompassMSP plans to pursue a targeted acquisition strategy of complementary businesses. Therefore, additional announcements may be forthcoming in the future.

Channel Impact^®
These acquisitions are part of Compass’ plans to build a premier provider of managed services including on-premise, private cloud and public cloud services for small and mid-sized businesses.