Roughly 2,300 MSPs (managed IT services providers) are attending the event. During most MSP-oriented gatherings, vendors typically promote "integrations" between their various IT management, business automation and cybersecurity solutions.
But the "integration" terminology could be changing -- with an eye towards "developer" partners. And for good reason. Both Datto and rival ConnectWise, in particular, have been trying to rally more developers as a way to generate a network effect -- and raise the overall value of their respective platforms to MSPs. The latest ConnectWise push came last week -- in the form of an upgraded online marketplace, essentially an online app store for MSPs.
DattoCon19: Booth Branding
Fast forward to this week's DattoCon19, and numerous third-party vendor booths carry a "datto <DEVELOPER>" designation. The examples were everywhere...
We'll be listening to hear if Datto CEO Tim Weller announces any type of new developer tools during his Tuesday morning keynote.
Why the Push for Developers?
The most dominant IT "platforms" typically gain a critical mass of ISVs -- independent software vendors.
- From Windows and Linux in the 1990s;
- to Apple iOS and Google Android in the 2000s;
- to Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, ServiceNow and Salesforce....
... all of the dominant platforms are backed by: Developers, developers, developers. Or as former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stated as only he could:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmVpaJcUmBE
Stay tuned for more updates from Datto DattoCon19 here.
