Axcient, Autotask Integration Provides Autotask Direction Clues

Axcient, a hybrid cloud backup company, continues to build stronger relationships in the managed services market. The latest effort involves integration with Autotask, the PSA (professional services automation) software provider. The Axcient-Autotask integration also provides some clues about how CEO Mark Cattini is positioning Autotask for potential growth.

Let’s start with the actual news: Axcient offers a hybrid cloud solution that includes a free on-premise appliance linked to Axcient’s cloud business continuity service. Axcient CEO Justin Moore recently explained the strategy in TalkinCloud FastChat Video:

The Axcient solution now integrates with Autotask service tickets — for service management, reporting and billing uses, the two companies say. Axcient has been busy in recent months building an MSP alliance ecosystem; big wins include a relationship with Hewlett-Packard.

Subtle Shifts at Autotask

Meanwhile, Autotask is subtly branding itself with clearer marketing and SEO (search engine optimization) terms. Consider this subtle but important change:

Autotask is trying to go broader on two fronts: Emphasizing its cloud expertise while also pushing beyond managed services to play up VARs as target customers. Autotask Senior VP Jay McBain offered additional positioning clues in a recent MSPmentor interview. CEO Mark Cattini joined Autotask in December 2010, and he’s set to share perspectives at the Autotask Community Live event (May 22-24, Miami).

Meanwhile, many of the major PSA (professional services automation) and RMM (remote monitoring and management) software suppliers — everyone from ConnectWise to N-able — have been expanding their marketing messages to reach resellers and VARs that have yet to master managed services.

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