Will Managed Service Providers Back Microsoft Exchange Online, SharePoint Online?

Microsoft says Exchange Online and SharePoint Online are now ready for deployment, with 100 new partners and managed service providers signing up to offer the hosted systems ever week.

But that’s not the entire software as a service (SaaS) story from Microsoft. The software giant is preparing Office Communications Online — a hosted unified communications package. And Microsoft hints that it’s preparing network administration and perhaps even a managed services platform for 2009.

So, are MSPs eager — or worried — about Microsoft in the on demand world? Here’s some analysis.

To get a feel for Microsoft’s Saas strategy for partners and customers, check out Microsoft.com/online or visit the company’s list of SaaS solutions.

Are MSPs Onboard?

Microsoft has generated some fear and concern among partners who worry about the software giant promoting SaaS applications directly to customers. But in a press release issued today, Microsoft stated:

I wonder: Are all of those partners signing up to support Microsoft or are a few of those “partners” signing up to learn how to potentially compete more effectively against Microsoft and other large software companies entering the SaaS field?

The Strategy for 2009

One other thing for MSPs to keep in mind: The software company recently held focus groups involving MSPs and is rumored to be developing a managed services platform. In today’s press release about the online applications, Microsoft offered some hints about MSP software in 2009:

Is Microsoft a friend or foe to MSPs? Frankly, I think Microsoft will find a way to work more closely with VARs and MSPs because the company has been fiercely loyal to the IT channel for three decades.

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