GroundWork Open Source Launches MSP Site, MSP Pricing

GroundWork Open Source for MSPs

Check the new GroundWork MSP site (http://msp.gwos.com) and you’ll find some background about GroundWork Monitor Enterprise (GWME), which starts at about $2,000 per year to monitor 50 devices. That’s about $3.33 per device per month.

GroundWork says service providers such as Hitachi Consulting UK Ltd., Germany’s NTS Netzwerk Telekom Service, AG and Hosting.com already use the company’s software.

Crowded Market

The big question: Will smaller MSPs — particularly those supporting SMB customers — give GroundWork a look? Or will GroundWork potentially appeal to somewhat larger MSPs? No doubt, GroundWork is among the best-known open source platforms for monitoring. But the market for RMM (remote monitoring and management) software targeting MSPs now seems flooded.

On the one hand, I think aspiring MSPs are still sorting out their tool choices. But on the other hand, I think established MSPs have standardized their RMM and PSA (professional services automation) software, and are now looking at cloud and SaaS offerings that they can layer on top of those managed services foundations.

The Big Winners: MSPs

Still, all this RMM competition is great for MSPs. During the Channel Happy Hour podcast yesterday, co-host Gerard Kane (CEO of MSP Services Network) asserted that it’s time for RMM prices to come down. I think that’s already happening. A few examples:

Please note: I don’t run any RMM tools myself and I don’t endorse specific tools. Much like purchasing a car, you should go out and test drive the tools that interest you.

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