IBM broadens MSP push into SMB space

IBM recently launched two new managed services for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that bring legitimacy to the market. The IBM Desktop Management Services and IBM Network Management Services are offered by IBM Global Services under the IBM Express portfolio. Desktop managed services include functions such as automated backup, virus scan, and printer monitoring, while the network managed services involve upper-tier infrastructure such as recovery functions and managing IBM server hardware. "We're taking general desktop and network management services and breaking them down into logical components that midmarket customers will be looking for," said IBM Global Services SMB global director Beth Feeney.

"We think these smaller businesses are beginning to get comfortable with making technology decisions and turning them over to someone else to manage completely," she said. The new services are primarily meant for SMB customers who want to outsource management of their IBM-branded infrastructure, and will be offered through IBM's business partner network as well. Many IBM business partners welcomed the new offerings, which come at a steep discount over comparable managed services offerings. IBM Desktop Management Services cost just $40 per month per user compared to other vendors' $80 monthly charge, for example. Alvaka Networks CEO Oli Thordarson said the entrance of IBM itself would grow the market for SMB managed services, which said had "come of age."

Copyright 2004 INFORMATION, INC.