Thursday, February 23, 2012

Taking Advantage of the Changing Landscape for IT Services

The good news is, despite everything you have heard about the global economy, changing technologies, shifting business models and increased competition, if you deliver technology solutions you are in exactly the right business – and at a very exciting time!

In this special, one-hour webinar on Tuesday, March 6 at 11 AM US ET, Autotask CEO and 2012 CRN Channel Chief, Mark Cattini, will describe the macro social, economic and technology trends that are reshaping opportunities for solution providers – and how you can take advantage of them to build a more predictable and profitable business for the future, including:
  • The rising global demand for IT services
  • Changing IT consumption patterns of SMBs
  • The democratization of software purchasing
  • The impact of BYOD and BYOA
  • The impact of SaaS and the cloud
Autotask SVP Community & Business Development Len DiCostanzo hosts this distinctive conversation with his fellow Channel Chief. Citing current research and real world examples, and drawing on more than two decades’ C-level experience in the channel, Mark will connect the dots, describe where the new opportunities are, and how you can leverage them to guide your clients through the coming changes.

Register now!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Autotask Corporation Announces Integration with BrightGauge

Customer-Facing Report Builder Seamlessly Combines Analytics from Autotask and Popular RMM Tools to Better Demonstrate MSP Value to Clients

EAST GREENBUSH, NY & MIAMI, FL - February 21, 2012 - Autotask Corporation, the world’s leading provider of hosted IT business management software, today announced its latest integration with BrightGauge, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) custom reporting and dashboard solution specifically designed for managed services providers (MSPs), and other information technology solution providers (ITSPs). The integration allows MSPs and ITSPs to easily create, customize and deliver specialized customer reports covering a wide range of service and performance metrics.
 
“We’re very excited to have BrightGauge officially become an integration partner with Autotask, and we are confident that our growing community of IT solution providers and MSPs will find real value in their client-focused dashboard and reporting solution,” said Len DiCostanzo, Autotask Senior Vice-President of Community and Business Development. “Many of our partners are already working with BrightGauge to combine their Autotask data with data from their remote monitoring and management (RMM) data to improve customer reporting.”

BrightGauge, founded by industry veterans, provides MSPs with an easy and intuitive tool for generating customer-facing reports that are fully brandable, and can be customized, automated and scheduled in less than a minute.

“Managed service providers, whose businesses often include remote monitoring and mediation of their clients’ network and other technology resources, have traditionally found it a challenge to easily represent the scope and value of their services to their customers in a clear and concise way. Now, with fully customizable reports integrated with Autotask, MSPs can present a clear picture of the services they provide in a way that is easy for their clients to understand,” said Brian Dosal, BrightGauge President and Co-Founder. “We’ve set out to simplify, improve and automate executive reports for all MSPs and we’re very excited to now be working with the Autotask community. Nothing impresses customers and prospects more than gorgeous and intuitive reports and dashboards.”

"We're very excited to integrate our Autotask data into our BrightGauge reports,” said Andrew Johnson, Managing Director of IT Partners Limited. “We've been using BrightGauge with our RMM data for a month now, and being able to add Autotask data into their well designed customer facing reports is the perfect addition. Our clients are going to love us even more for this, particularly for the ability to instantly drill into the data!"

BrightGauge is continuing its introductory rate of $149/month for unlimited reporting for all current Autotask partners. The BrightGauge integration currently supports a couple of key RMM tools, and the company plans to add integrations with other leading RMM tools over the next quarter.

About BrightGauge Software
BrightGauge was founded by two brothers and veteran Manage Services Providers, Brian and Eric Dosal, owners and operators of the 30-year-old Miami-based IT Services Provider Compuquip Technologies. BrightGauge allows MSPs to get client-focused reports out of their PSA and RMM tools, and clients get easy, mobile access to all their IT information. Along with custom reports, BrightGauge offers a client portal that clients can access from any device anywhere in the world. Clients can also open up support tickets through the portal, view recent tickets, and view files and reports created for them. For more information visit www.BrightGauge.com.

About Autotask Corporation
Autotask Corporation provides the world's leading hosted IT business management software to streamline and optimize business processes for technology solution providers. The software integrates a broad range of critical business systems, including customer relationship management (CRM), service desk, tech scheduling, project management, billing and reporting, and provides real-time service delivery intelligence to help users understand the factors that drive their business and their profitability.

Autotask is accessible from virtually any computing or mobile device connected to the Internet and features a world-class API that seamlessly integrates with the other systems and tools that providers rely on to run their businesses.

For more information about Autotask Corporation and products, please visit http://www.autotask.com or call 518-720-3500 Ext. 1

Autotask NYC Tri-State Area User Group to Hold First Event of 2012

February 22 Meeting in Newark, NJ to Precede Level Platforms’ Road Show Event

EAST GREENBUSH, NY - February 17, 2012 - Autotask Corporation, the world’s leading provider of hosted IT business management software, today announced that its new NYC Tri-State Area User Group will hold its first meeting of 2012 on February 22 from 2:30-5:45 PM at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott. The meeting is sponsored in part by Level Platforms, a global leader in remote monitoring and management solutions, whose 17-city, 2012 Road Show makes its Newark, NJ stop at the same venue shortly after the user group event.
 
The user group meeting agenda opens with introductory remarks and a keynote address from Ronnie Parisella, NYC Tri-State Area User Group Leader and Director of Business Development for Power Consulting Group in NYC. The event will feature an introductory session on Autotask’s new LiveReports engine, and a special presentation from Level Platforms. Ample networking opportunities will also be available.

“Autotask sees the unrecognized potential of its user community,” stated Parisella. “Through the NYC Tri-State Area User Group, we plan to develop and nurture a strong community of MSP partners who will raise the level of successful managed services adoption and delivery.”

Autotask software allows value-added-resellers (VARs), managed services providers (MSPs) and other IT technology solution providers to streamline optimize and automate critical business functions. The software incorporates customer relationship management (CRM), service desk, tech scheduling, project management, billing and other modules that are accessible from virtually any computing or mobile device connected to the Internet.

Leonard DiCostanzo, Senior Vice President of Community and Business Development believes that user groups offer tremendous value to Autotask Users, saying, “VARs, MSPs and IT solution providers work in a complex and competitive environment. Any time there is an opportunity for them to come together, share best practices and network with their peers, they walk away with solid information they can use to better serve their customers and build their own businesses.”

Autotask users and others interested in attending the Autotask User Group meeting are asked to register for the event by visiting http://forms.autotask.com/LP=232

Streamline Your ISV Business with Automation, Transparency

Just like many solutions providers, ISVs (independent software vendors) can be challenged to find a process for providing seamless, agile solutions and responsive support to customers.

Software developer Unifund was no different. The ISV was struggling against internal silos that slowed customer sales and support until it discovered Autotask.

Today, the ISV enjoys an internal transparency and automated workflow that has led to improved customer service, faster and more effective solution deployments, and increased revenues.

Want to learn more about how Autotask can support your ISV business growth? Register now for this upcoming webinar on Thursday, March 8 at 11 AM US ET!

Sean Marlow, director of field services operations for Unifund, will share his experience with Autotask and explain how the ISV has utilized Autotask to empower better communications, higher staff utilization levels, and improved customer satisfaction.

Moshe Binyamin of Autotask will also explain how Autotask can move your ISV business toward scalable, profitable growth.

Register now!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Autotask Corporation Signs 500th UK IT Channel Customer

SaaS-based Professional Services Automation and Service Intelligence Software Helps IT Channel Increase Profitability in the Rush to Managed Services and Cloud

RICHMOND, UK - February 8, 2012 -Since opening its first UK office in May of 2011, Autotask Corporation, the world’s leading provider of hosted IT business management software, today announced that it has signed its 500th IT channel partner customer in the UK.
 
Autotask software is currently used by thousands of IT service providers, value-added resellers (VARs) and managed services providers (MSPs) in 54 countries. “As demand for new and innovative technologies has grown and evolved among small and medium sized businesses (SMBs), so has the demand for software that enables IT service providers to deliver those products and services more efficiently and more profitably,” explains Mark Banfield, Managing Director for International at Autotask Corporation. “As a result, we have grown from the UK launch team of 3 people to more than 15 in just over 6 months.”

Banfield attributes much of the growth to an increased focus on cloud and managed services by VARs and believes that Autotask's low cost £50 per-seat-per-month pricing model allows its customers to try the software without risk before rolling it out across an organisation.

“IT solution providers need to understand the forces and trends that affect their clients’ businesses and their own, and to be able to answer questions like, “who are my most profitable clients?”, “how do I correctly price my services to ensure proper margins?”, and “do I have technicians and engineers who are under-utilized?” Banfield said. “Without an integrated system that gives them a 360-degree view into their business, those questions are very hard to answer.” Autotask, Banfield says, estimates that less than 1 in 5 VARs, MSPs or IT services providers in the UK currently has an accurate picture of their business and the true profitability of their services.

Autotask is a true multi-tenant SaaS that is accessible anywhere, any time with nothing to maintain, install or update. The software integrates a broad range of critical business systems, including customer relationship management (CRM), service desk, human resource scheduling, project management, billing and reporting, and provides real-time service delivery intelligence to help users understand the factors that drive their business and their profitability.

Autotask also integrates with financial software from 20 leading vendors including Sage, Microsoft Dynamics and QuickBooks to help provide a complete picture of the business. The software is also available in six languages; German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian and Japanese.

For Tony Poole, Managing Director of Synergy Technology, Autotask has been instrumental in helping his business increase profitability from services, “One of the key benefits for us was working out how we spend resources in terms of delivering against our service level agreements. Some of our clients were clearly over serviced while others offered potential to take more products. Autotask gives us much better visibility across our business and has allowed us to increase our overall profitability.”

Banfield believes that demand for IT business management software will continue to grow in the UK in step with the adoption of more cloud based services, “We are the only comprehensive SaaS offering for the channel with a dedicated UK office and localised focus,” he explains, “This allows us to work closely with our customers and support them as they integrate the platform into their wider business processes.”

IT and other technology solution providers in the UK and Europe interested in learning more about Autotask software may visit www.autotask.co.uk or call +44 0203 006 3147.

Effectively Using Social Networking to Build Your IT Business

It's nearly impossible for any business to refrain from social networking. But to make sense of all the different methods, recommendations, and tools can be a real challenge.

In this one-hour webinar on Thursday, February 16 at 11 AM US ET, independent IT business consultant Richard Tubb will present an introduction to social networking focused specially for IT business owners.

Rich Akullian from Autotask will be on hand to talk about how to incorporate social media in the IT business management platform's CRM module.

Register now for these key takeaways:
  • principles for using social networking
  • ROI of social networking
  • social networking vs. social media
  • tips for Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook
  • business reasons to blog
  • what are content loops and how to use them
  • third-party tools to better manage social sites
  • how social networking differs from traditional business networking
Register now!

How to Leverage the Popularity of the Cloud to Make it Rain

Cloud computing: technology revolution or marketing gimmick?

You will hear arguments on both sides. But one fact is beyond argument: the cloud has fundamentally altered the way technology services are bought and sold. Ignore this change at your peril!

The MSPs and VARs that capitalize on this shift and update their selling strategies to reflect the popularity of cloud computing will enjoy a more reliable stream of clients, revenue and income. More importantly, these businesses will cement a competitive advantage that will continue to pay dividends down the road.

Join Kutenda CEO Mike Cooch and Autotask Online Marketing Manager Rich Akullian on Wednesday, February 15 at 1 PM US ET as they identify the challenges and opportunities facing IT service providers in today’s rapidly changing business environment.

Don’t miss your opportunity to discover:
  • How the cloud has changed the rules of game—and why yesterday’s selling methodologies won’t work today
  • Why it’s imperative that you become a change agent
  • The simple lesson about sales that all IT service providers must learn
  • The 3 core skills that top salespeople always focus on and mediocre salespeople rarely do
  • How to match your selling process to the client buying process (a key ingredient for selling success)
  • The 4 places to look for qualified leads
  • How to embrace your selling role (even if you’re not a so-called “natural born seller”)
  • How to know when the time is right to close the deal and how to do it right
  • The top 3 misconceptions preventing most VARs and MSPs from reaching their earning potential
The cloud has the potential to be either a costly disruption or a lucrative opportunity for your business—it’s up to you!

BONUS: Register today and enter to win a list of 1,000 local contacts! We’ll be drawing winners from our list of registrants after the event. Register now to enter your submission today.

Register now!

Overcoming Road Blocks in the IT Sales Cycle

When most technology solution business owners first open their doors, they often don't think about the many potential marketing hurdles potentially blocking their path to success.

However when these obstacles do arise, most entrepreneurs roll up their sleeves and go to work trying to devise a way forward.

Well then what could ever stop these extremely ambitious IT professionals in their tracks? A well-known phrase is 'you can be your own worst enemy'. It's possible you might inadvertently be creating some self-inflicted marketing challenges!

To find out the top five most common roadblocks technology firms impose on themselves, register now for this upcoming webinar on Tuesday, February 14 at 1 PM US ET!

Join John Black of MSP Telemarketing as he reveals several marketing 'patches' that can be applied to your current marketing campaigns. Rich Akullian of Autotask will also present on how to use the Autotask CRM to track your relationships better with an integrated IT business management platform.


Register now!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Autotask Community Live 2012 Moves to Orlando, Florida, June 10-12

Worldwide Conference Expected to Attract a Record Number of IT Service Providers

EAST GREENBUSH, NY - February 1, 2012 - Autotask Corporation, the world’s leading provider of cloud-based IT Business Management software, today announced that Autotask Community Live 2012, one of the largest educational and business-building events for the global IT services industry, will be held at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida, from June 10-12. Autotask users and others interested in attending the conference may visit www.autotaskcommunitylive.com for information or to register for the event. Early registration discounts are available through February 29, 2012.
 
Since its inception in 2009, Autotask Community Live attendance has grown an average 35% per year, attracting Autotask users and IT professionals from around the world. Participation by industry-leading vendors has more than trebled over the same period. The three-day conference features multiple, concurrent education tracks including both product-centric and broader business-building courses.

The product training tracks includes a range of role-based and business process sessions, from basic to advanced training, to deliver tips, time-saving workflow automation techniques and best-practices for optimizing the use of various Autotask Pro modules and features.

The business-building tracks feature a wide variety of keynotes, panels and individual strategy sessions devoted to growing and managing a profitable IT business, including forward-looking insight on significant industry trends, market guidance, and new tools, services and solutions which can be offered based on integrations with Autotask’s vast community of strategic partners.

Several pre-conference boot camps and workshops will also be available, including a full-day Autotask Pro Accelerator Boot Camp (which sells out quickly each year), an Autotask API for Developers Boot Camp, and two half-day sessions focused on building skills, insight and service delivery intelligence using Autotask’s new Live Reports engine.

The final agenda for Autotask Community Live 2012 is currently under development and will be made available in mid-February. 

- What
Autotask Community Live 2012

- Who 
IT solution providers, IT service companies, managed services providers, value-added resellers, systems integrators or other technology solutions provider who wants to manage their business more efficiently and more profitably. Last year’s conference attracted more than 700 attendees, and Community Live 2012 is expected to draw more than 1,000 conference goers.

- When 
June 10 – 12, 2012

- Where
Autotask Community Live 2012 will be held at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL, 32837 www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcojw-jw-marriott-orlando-grande-lakes/

- Registration 
For more information about Autotask Community Live 2012 or to register for the event, visit www.autotaskcommunitylive.com

- Speakers
Industry leaders interested in presenting at the event, should complete the Call for Speakers form at www.autotaskcommunitylive.com/call_for_speakers.htm

- Sponsorship 
Industry vendors and Autotask partners interested in learning more about Community Live 2012 sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to visit www.autotaskcommunitylive.com/sponsors.htm