MSPs: Do You Have a Customer in Super Bowl XLVIII?

Managed services provider (MSP) SHI International Corp. is planning to root for one of its customers this weekend in Super Bowl XLVIII — the Denver Broncos.

SHI, a self-proclaimed charter member of Dell’s Partner Direct program, acquired the football team's business through an existing relationship between Dell and the Broncos, the company's Marketing and Communications Director Ed McNamara told MSPmentor in an email.

"The Broncos had an existing relationship with Dell who brought SHI in to help manage the Broncos’ commodity hardware (desktops, laptops, tablets, etc.) and datacenter business," he said. "After Dell’s introduction, the Dell-SHI-Bronco relationship has grown to be mutually beneficial for all three."

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While SHI does not disclose specific technologies deployed by customers, McNamara did reveal that the MSP helps the Broncos source, select and deliver hardware device, datacenter and networking solutions.

Dell wasn't shy about providing the specifics (probably because SHI has been leveraging Dell technology). The computer technology company pointed out in a case study that SHI assists the Broncos with guarding and monitoring their network through the use of Dell SonicWALL firewalls.

"Not only does this result in secure and reliable connectivity for Broncos staff," a Dell spokesperson said, "but it ensures that 25,000 plus fans in the stadium can stay connected and engaged for an optimal game day experience."

The case study said Dell's SonicWALL technology allows organizations to add layers of security for ticketing and other systems; enables staff and vendors to accomplish more with easier virtual private network (VPN) access; and assists staff with boosting protection for thousands of users in just two days.

With regards to the game, SHI (as you may have guessed) will be banking on the Broncos to win the championship game, but McNamara, on the other hand, needs more than just a win.

"SHI's rooting interest in the points of this Super Bowl is based solely on the last digit of the respective teams’ scores for each of the four quarters of play," he said. "If those digits include a '6' for Denver and a '0' for Seattle (for as many quarters as possible) this is representative of SHI would be very happy, regardless of who actually wins the game."

Follow CJ Arlotta on Twitter @cjarlotta for further updates on the story above.