Monday Morning Impact – January 6

Sophos Expands Managed Service Provider Offerings

Sophos, a UK-based company focused on next-generation cloud-enabled cybersecurity solutions, has updated its MSP Connect program with an eye towards simplified sales, deployment, and management.

New offerings for Managed Detection and Response (MDR), cloud security, professional services automation (PSA) and remote monitoring and management (RMM) integrations have also been added. More specifically, support for Windows Server, macOS and Linux have been added to the company’s threat hunting, detection and response services. In addition, MSP Flex billing options have been extended to Cloud Optix, a solution that automatically discovers and secures customer assets stored in AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. Sophos has also expanded integrations with Datto, Kaseya and ConnectWise.

“To further support this growth, Sophos is expanding its MSP program with optimized offerings that directly meet the evolving needs of MSPs and their customers,” said Scott Barlow, vice president, Global MSP, Sophos. “Sophos is committed to helping MSPs stay ahead of new and emerging threats, and we’re providing a flexible subscription-based model for critical solutions and services that better protect customers with the scalability and automatic invoicing to fit their operational needs.”

Sophos MSP Connect supports more than 8,000 global and regional MSPs worldwide. MSP billings increased 83 percent in the first half of Sophos’ fiscal year, resulting in annual recurring revenue of $33 million.

Channel Impact^®
The initiative is expected to help MSPs unlock revenue opportunities, increase productivity and lower operational costs.

8×8 Expands Partner Program to Include VARs

8×8, Inc., a San Jose-based SaaS provider of voice, video, chat, contact center, and enterprise-class API solutions, announced that its technology platform and Elev8 Partner Program have been expanded to include Value-Added Resellers.

“8×8 is a channel-first company and we have seen tremendous acceleration this year, with channel bookings growing 80 percent or more in each of the past three quarters,” said John DeLozier, SVP and Global Channel Chief at 8×8. “Now is the right time to add VARs to our partner program. They bring critical customer relationships and expertise where together we can ensure that organizations of all sizes can benefit from the award-winning cloud communication solutions in the 8×8 portfolio,” “We’ve invested meaningfully in enabling VARs on our Elev8 Partner Program and can now support all of our channel partners as they convert customers from legacy, on-premises systems to modern cloud solutions.”

The Elev8 partner program features tiered levels of dedicated funds for lead generation and conversion, as well as a variety of marketing campaigns. The program also includes account planning, product demos and custom co-branded prospect events.

In addition to its platform supporting voice, video, chat, contact center and enterprise-class API solutions, the offering also includes real-time business analytics to provide insights across all interactions and channels.

Channel Impact^®
After growing the referral partner program this year to more than 1,000 active channel agents, and investing further in enablement and technology integration, 8×8 is now making its platform available for the global VAR community.

Tech Data to Acquire the Business of Inflow Technologies

Tech Data has entered into an agreement to acquire the business of Inflow Technologies, a Bangalore, India-based value-added distributor, as part of a move to expand its presence and expertise in the Asia Pacific region.

“The addition of Inflow Technologies directly supports our strategy of delivering higher value – especially in the areas of investing in next-generation technologies, strengthening our end-to-end portfolio and optimizing our global footprint,” said Rich Hume, chief executive officer of Tech Data. “In particular, this acquisition helps us to strengthen our portfolio of networking and security solutions we’re able to offer to our channel partners while optimizing our footprint in Asia Pacific, which is an important region for Tech Data.”

Inflow Technologies’ areas of focus also include unified communications and collaboration, storage and server management, infrastructure and application software, automatic identification and data capture, electronic security, and related services in South Asia.

“As a technology enabler, Inflow Technologies brings a variety of core competencies to Tech Data, including business development, channel engagement, training, and pre-sales and post-sales support,” said Byju Pillai, president and chief executive officer of Inflow Technologies. “Our combined skills, portfolios, talent and shared commitment to exceptional service with world-class execution will enable us to deliver higher value to our channel partners.”

The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close during Tech Data’s first quarter of fiscal year 2021. Terms were not disclosed.

Channel Impact^®
Tech Data is investing in next-generation technologies, strengthening its end-to-end portfolio and optimizing its footprint in Asia.