Cloud Communications

GFI Software Shows How Cloud Communications are Driving MSP IT Channel Growth

By Erin Harrison Executive Editor, Cloud Computing

As cloud computing and cloud communications continue to proliferate, the managed services provider (MSP) market is thriving as a result. In fact, the MSP segment currently represents about 10 percent of the global IT channel, according to GFI Software CEO Walter Scott, who recently estimated that figure based on the following math:

·         By tracking the MSP software supplier market, Scott says there are about 20,000 active MSPs, about 7.3 percent of today’s channel but closing in on 10 percent really fast.

·         Roughly 6,300 of those MSPs leverage GFI Max and related managed services and cloud software from Scott’s company.

As more enterprises adopt cloud-based services, Scott maintains that it’s easier for MSPs to enter the market with the growing number of cloud solutions available today versus the number of on-premise licensed software.

“Going beyond PC monitoring and management, Scott says MSPs are starting to cross sell and upsell the Max solutions. He’s charting a strategy to grow the typical GFI end-customer from 1.2 GFI products in use to 2.8 GFI products in use, with the help of MSPs,” reported MSPmentor.

GFI has been bringing on about 150 MSPs per month, and 80 percent of those adoptions are new to the market rather than MSPs switching from another platform – a critically important distinction, according to Joe Panettieri, author of the article.

“Scott insists GFI’s growth is mostly organic – new MSPs rather than rip-and-replace MSPs jumping from another platform,” Panettieri said. “Most of the GFI MSPs sound like they are supporting customers with 30 to 50 employees each.”

In July, GFI launched GFI cloud, a new platform developed to easily deliver cloud services via a Web-based user interface, making it more accessible than ever before and available from anywhere with an Internet connection. The new enhancement will also enable IT admins within small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to more easily and efficiently manage their IT systems, which will provide more free time and resources to assist focus on priority and crucial tasks. Essentially, the new addition is “IT simplified.”

GFI Cloud comes fully stocked with GI VIPRE Business Online, providing advanced delivery of antivirus and antimalware protection, as well as GFI Network Server Monitor Online, which will allow administrators to more closely monitor the health of their networks, as well as optimize server and workstation configurations for optimum performance improvement.

To discover more about GFI’s robust services and solutions, click here.

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