IBM, Fiberlink Acquisition: What MSPs Need to Know

After IBM (IBM)’s acquisition of privately-held mobile management and security company Fiberlink Communications last week,  managed services providers (MSP) may be wondering what it means for Fiberlink’s existing partners. Well, our sister site Talkin’ Cloud immediately jumped on this question for channel partners. And there’s some good news.

First, MSPs should take note of the following points surrounding the acquisition:

Existing Fiberlink partners shouldn’t worry, Fiberlink CEO Jim Sheward suggested to Talkin’ Cloud. He said partners were told of the acquisition when the press release was issued, adding that the company will continue to inform partners.

“Fiberlink partners will continue to operate within the existing Fiberlink MaaSters Partner Program, and will conduct business as usual, using their current contract, terms and program structure,” he said.

Barlow did note, however, that Fiberlink partners will eventually be able to gain more resources through IBM’s Partnerworld program.

“Fiberlink’s business partners will soon be able to access a vast array of benefits and resources, including marketing, selling, technical and training/certification resources,” he said.

While this specific acquisition may or may not be an indicator for what’s to come in the mobile device management (MDM) market, it sure does make some of us wonder: Will companies like MobileIron and AirWatch find themselves on the sales block at some point next year?