AWS and ConnectWise: Cloud, MSP Communities Set to Collide

Amazon (AMZN) CEO Jeff Bezos and ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini appear set to address different technology markets and different audiences next week. But if you listen closely, MSPs will discover the two markets are on a collision course — as cloud monitoring, RMM software, BDR, file sharing, and more converge in the IT channel. Here’s what you need to know the two key conferences — IT Nation (Nov. 13-15, Orlando) and AWS re:Invent (Nov. 12-15, Las Vegas) — and how they may shape the MSP and cloud landscapes for 2014.

First let’s look at the big picture. Over the years, the IT Nation conference has helped resellers and VARs to accelerate their managed and cloud services businesses. Meanwhile, the AWS re:Invent conference — now in its second year — is already attracting some channel companies while also promoting-born-in-the-cloud IT service providers and monitoring tools.

IT Nation 2013

At IT Nation, it’s a safe bet MSPs will hear about a range of RMM (remote monitoring and management), backup, security and storage solutions that are gaining more cloud capabilities. At the same time, Bellini will describe the continued evolution of the Modern Office Suite, which deeply integrates ConnectWise PSA, LabTech Software RMM and Quosal sales quoting and proposal software.

Listen closely at IT Nation, and MSPs will also hear about cloud aggregation solutions. Names like Ingram Micro Cloud and Excel Micro come to mind. Plus, MSPmentor expects at least one other company to launch a value-added cloud distribution service at the conference.

AWS re:Invent 2013

In stark contrast, the Amazon AWS re:Invent conference is a massive gathering or customers, ISVs and born-in-the-cloud solutions providers. Keynotes from AWS Senior VP Andy Jassy and CTO Werner Vogels are planned — but we have a suspicion Bezos will also take to the stage…

The 2012 AWS re:Invent conference attracted some channel veterans — representing Avnet Technology Services and Tech Data, among others. This year’s event, which we’ll cover on Talkin’ Cloud, will attract an even bigger crowd of MSP-focused cloud companies.

Among the moves worth tracking at the conference:

In 2014, it’s a safe bet cloud storage companies running on AWS will increasingly compete with MSP industry players like Axcient, Carbonite, Datto and Intronis (among others).

For MSPs attending IT Nation — keep a remote eye on AWS:reinvent. And for born-in-the-cloud companies at the Amazon conference, don’t underestimate the MSP industry veterans over at IT Nation. Over time, the lines between both communities will increasingly blur.