Here we go again! As I do each week, I am really enjoying bringing our readers a quick round-up of the blog coverage I didn’t manage to get to during the week prior. We have been pretty busy around here at SMB Nation in gearing up for our SMB 150 Awards, and our Spring Conference, which will be held May 3-5, 2013, at the Microsoft Redmond Campus. For more information, and to register, go to: http://spring.smbnation.com/.
As for other live industry events, Harrybbb will be out and about attending the Microsoft TechFest and MacTech event in Redmond this week.
Please take some time to peruse a few snippets of information that we didn’t get a chance to bring you last week….let us also know if there was something we might have missed, which is not mentioned in this entry…because as you know…we love news!
1.) MSP TechSquad IT More than Triples its 2012 Revenue, Expands Staffing, Adds 20 New Customers: Chris Wiser and his Milwaukee-based MSP TechSquad IT, announced last week that the company experienced significant corporate growth in 2012. TechSquad IT’s more than tripled year-over-year revenue is attributed to the MSP adding approximately 20 new customers in 2012, and its formidable presence by serving various vertical markets of the SMB community within the Greater Milwaukee region. In addition, TechSquad IT reports that in 2012, its gross sales were up 264%, net profit increased 131%, and monthly recurring revenue was up 47% from 2011.
“2012 was our best year yet in terms of revenue, expansion of both new clients and staff, and marketing and public relations campaigns,” said Chris Wiser, Founder and CEO, TechSquad IT. “These components, coupled with the fact that we have gained an increased foothold by providing exceptional IT services to Greater Milwaukee area SMBs, leaves us poised for an even more successful 2013.”
2.) Broadvox Deploys Automated Quote Platform, MasterStream: Broadvox last week said it has commenced its partnership with Salestream Software, creators of the automated quote and order platform MasterStream. This new relationship will give users of MasterStream™ quick access to the products and pricing available from Broadvox.
MasterStream’s web-hosted solutions deliver total automation to all elements of the telecom industry – from wholesale providers to resellers and agents. With access to MasterStream-UNITY, Broadvox partners achieve seamless automation and are able to generate customized instant quotes for Broadvox’s full product portfolio – including Managed Hosted Voice, SIP Trunking, and all broadband options. Broadvox partners – whether Direct Partners or as agents of authorized Broadvox Master Agents – will also be able to automate a full range of sales and back office functions, such as sales and quote management, order status and commission information.
3.) Rackspace Acquires ObjectRocket to Help Customers Scale MongoDB in the Cloud: Last week, Rackspace Hosting said it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ObjectRocket, a MongoDB database as a service (DBaaS) provider. With ObjectRocket’s open source-based MongoDB solution, Rackspace will broaden its OpenStack-based open cloud platform to offer customers a NoSQL DBaaS. The ObjectRocket offering also immediately expands Rackspace’s capability to help customers shoulder big data in the cloud for today’s most demanding applications. The acquisition will close today.
According to a report from The 451 Group, “NoSQL software revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 82 percent to reach $215 million by 2015.” With the acquisition of ObjectRocket, Rackspace will establish a strong presence within the high growth, NoSQL database market. The ObjectRocket offering will be available in early March for Rackspace customers in its Chicago facility and will soon be deeply integrated across Rackspace's Open Cloud portfolio.
ObjectRocket also leverages AWS Direct Connect to provide low latency and free bandwidth to AWS customers and will continue to be sold as a stand-alone service.
4.) Autotask, Novera Partner to Provide Easy Payment Acceptance: Autotask Corporation last week announced a strategic partnership with Novera Payment Solutions, LLC. Subscribers to the Autotask product suite will now have the ability to receive credit and debit card payments via an easy to understand flat fixed fee or flat rate pricing program which integrates with QuickBooks via a plugin.
As part of the new partnership agreement, Novera will now offer Autotask customers a transparent, flat fixed monthly fee or bundled rate pricing model that can remain in effect for the life of the account. This is part of Novera’s suite of services and unique commitment to price transparency that is unparalleled in the payment processing industry.
Additionally, Novera will provide Autotask clients the opportunity to access innovative tools and strategies like virtual terminals and specialized mobile payment technologies that will enable anyone to accept payments via mobile device or website portal.
5.) Tech Data is First to Offer 4G Tablet Capability via Verizon Partner Program: Adding to its mobility platform, Tech Data Corporation last week announced the company's agreement with Verizon through TDMobility, its end-to-end mobility solutions offering.
Through the agreement, Tech Data becomes the first distributor participating in the Verizon Partner Program to enable 4G tablet activation. TDMobility and its complete suite of solutions can now enhance the tablet user experience for its customers by leveraging Verizon's, 4G LTE wireless network.
As part of the agreement, Tech Data will act as the connecting agent between Verizon and its channel of more than 60,000 solution providers.
A joint-venture between Brightstar and Tech Data, TDMobility has an infrastructure that simplifies resellers' entry into the mobile market, providing an end-to-end platform encompassing mobile hardware, software, service plans, activation and billing. TDMobility features two flagship offerings, CellManage and TDActivate, designed to streamline the mobile supply chain and end-users' wireless infrastructure while saving reseller customers both time and money.
