NetApp this week added one more partner card to its formidable rolodex. SilverSky, which offers messaging, security and cloud wares, joined the NetApp Partner Program for Service Providers.
The combo provides for the integration of e-mail and messaging services with NetApp storage, be it fully in the cloud, fully onsite or a hybrid of both.
SilverSky has been a MSP for more than a decade, and now manages over two million e-mail seats at more than 6,000 organizations.
One of the goals is securing all this messaging, which SilverSky does through its Security-as-a-Service system.
“SilverSky helps customers safeguard information in their networks through critical services such as vulnerability management, Web security, log management, mobile device management and brand protection,” the company said.
The two see lots of benefit in their pairing. "SilverSky technology will allow NetApp users to enjoy all the benefits of storing their data in the cloud while eliminating the number one concern of most users: security," said Randal Skipper, executive vice president of Global Sales at SilverSky. "Our mission is to remove the uncertainty that can accompany a move to the cloud and ensure that the user receives unparalleled security protection while realizing the many benefits and flexibility afforded by the cloud."
NetApp believes the partnerships make it easier on IT. "Our collaboration with SilverSky enables the seamless migration of data to the cloud which can be continuously and easily managed through NetApp's advanced architecture," said Jon Mellon, vice president and general manager of Service Provider Partners at NetApp.
Partner Abundance
NetApp currently has 37 service provider partners, including everyone from Amazon to Iron Mountain to Zumasys.
And NetApp has a massive range of partner types. On the channel side it has, besides service providers, resellers, vertical solution integrators and system integrators. It also has global system partners, Alliance Technology Partners and e-based OEM partners. The company has more partners than a Kentucky square dance.
Hosted E-mail Market Dynamics
According to the Radicati Group, hosted e-mail is a market full of change – all to the benefit of customers. “The increased competition in this market has led to rapid decreases in price over the past year. Prices are expected to continue dropping. This has led many hosted email providers to evaluate new ways to generate revenues through email-related services such as email security, email archiving and compliance, instant messaging (IM) and presence, wireless email synchronization, and more,” according to a Radicati report titled “Hosted Email Market, 2010-2014.”
While this market initially appealed to small businesses, better and better services are now being snapped up by larger shops.
“The Business Email market is continuing to evolve. Organizations are now looking beyond email, and are actively deploying additional collaborative services, such as Microsoft SharePoint and Unified Communications, in conjunction with email as a way to increase productivity,” the report said.
Edited by
Alisen Downey
