Dell Software has announced the release of its Dell Backup and Disaster Recovery Suite, a bundle of data protection services designed with SMB needs in mind for cloud, on-site and virtual configurations. I was able to speak with Michael Grant, a Dell Account Manager, who explained the development process for this latest suite.
To begin, Michael stressed that the Dell team went straight to the source, their customers, for their common problems faced, as well as any emerging needs they need addressed. What the Dell team found was that many SMBs are currently working with a “one size fits all” solution, but the reality is that their needs have been changing, and many of “one size” solutions force SMBs to either over pay or under protect.
In fact, Michael let me know that, like many of you, SMB customers are starting to treat their databases, email, etc. as services, and that they are trying to keep a seamless utility available for their employees and their own customers. SMB customers told Dell that they needed a solution that was easy to purchase, set-up and use, priced appropriately, and with someone to show them how to make sure all pieces are connected properly.
Michael also explained that Dell worked with noted research organization, Forrester, and found that there has been a growing disconnect between what the SMB itself needs, and what the IT programs are doing. To address the changing needs of SMBs, Dell has bundled its AppAssure, NetVault and vRanger solutions into the Backup and Disaster Recovery Suite. Users can select one of six pricing tiers and either use all three solutions, or just use the ones they need. In addition, users can decide to add or cancel any of the services as their business needs evolve, and access Dell’s remote install services or onsite install services to get all parts set up and running.
I asked Michael about the connection to the Channel, and he said that this Backup and Disaster Recovery Suite will be available for partners to resell via their Partner Program, and that it has been designed to help MSPs fit the suite into their current offerings.
To end our interview, I asked Michael if there was anything he wanted you, our community members, to know. His answer was: “I guess I would just like the SMB Nation readers to take another look at Dell and reconsider us,” Michael said. “We have been labeled as a computer company in the past, and, more importantly to you, a direct seller, but we are evolving under new leadership, and we have new divisions focused specifically on software, as well as divisions focused on partners.” Specifically, Michael said that that representatives are taking the time to speak voice-to-voice with clients and partners to meet new technological needs, and that they are welcoming any and all feedback.
