SolarWinds MSP's remote control software -- MSP Anywhere -- can now remotely access Apple Mac devices. At first glance, it's a small enhancement. But take a closer look and you'll notice multiple SolarWinds MSP offerings -- from the former N-able and LogcNow portfolios -- coming together in multiple ways.
To understand recent progress, it's important to understand recent history. Rewind to January 2016. At the time LogicNow acquired Mac-MSP -- a provider of Apple Mac management tools for MSPs. Fast-forward to mid-2016, and SolarWinds MSP acquired LogicNow along with the company's LogicCards machine learning technology.
Instead of getting lost in the shuffle, all of that technology seems to be coming together in new ways. For example, MSP Anywhere now allows MSPs to provide Mac users with executive reports, LogicCards capabilities and more. Not by coincidence, Brian Best -- from the Mac-MSP acquisition -- is driving a lot of this work.
No doubt, demand for Mac-oriented managed services and remote control has been growing. Most major RMM (remote monitoring and management) software providers now have at least basic Mac support. And specialized Mac management platforms like JAMF and Addigy have earned some attention from MSPs. Next up, keep an eye on Pilixo --a startup led by former Kaseya CEO Gerald Blackie. We hear the company may share a surprise or two later this month. Think Mac... and much more.
SolarWinds MSP: More Consistent Communications
Meanwhile, SolarWinds MSP seems to be communicating more frequently and consistently about its product roadmap and MSP offerings. The company was a bit quiet -- perhaps overly so -- amid the LogicNow buyout in mid-2016. But by Q4 2016, the business unit seemed to be finding its public voice again.
In November, SolarWinds MSP Leader John Pagliuca and his lieutenants described the SolarWinds MSP roadmap to partners. Among the assurances: R&D investments across the former LogicNow and N-able product lines would continue.
Also of note: David Sobel, senior director of community and field marketing, has been particularly active on LinkedIn -- answering MSP questions about the company's R&D priorities, roadmap and more. It's a safe bet Sobel and the SolarWinds MSP team are set to communicate partner summit plans for 2017 as well. Instead of trying to transform every MSP into a hyper-growth company, SolarWinds MSP sees an opportunity to help MSPs grow in a sustainable way, from what we've heard.
It's difficult to pinpoint SolarWinds MSP's overall performance since parent company SolarWinds is now privately held. Also, most of SolarWinds MSP's key rivals (including Autotask, ConnectWise, Continuum, and Kaseya, among others) have made their own business momentum statements in recent weeks. But here again, pinpointing actual momentum is difficult since all the companies are privately held.
