What You Missed In September: Managed Services, BDR, & Networking News Highlights
Each month, Business Solutions reports news on business in the channel. This month in Managed Services, Backup and Recovery, and Networking, companies announce an acquisition, release updated versions of their platforms, and introduce a new cloud-sync protocol, storage appliances for IP video, a configuration tool, and a thin client.
eFolder Acquires Anchor
eFolder, a supplier of cloud backup, BDR, and business continuity solutions, has announced that it has acquired Anchor Box, a start-up providing file sync and share software tailored for MSPs, VARs, and cloud providers. This acquisition enables eFolder to supply MSPs with a sync-and-share solution that delivers access to files across any device — smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer — or on the Web from any Web browser. Anchor’s file server enablement feature allows immediate cloud-enablement of data from legacy file servers. It also features end-to-end data encryption, secure file sharing, remote wipe of lost devices, and remote monitoring and management (RMM) and professional services automation (PSA) integration. The software can also be deployed in a client’s private cloud, a partner’s own cloud, or on eFolder’s storage cloud.
Axcient Introduces WAN-Optimized Cloud-Sync Protocol
Axcient has introduced its WAN-optimized cloud-sync protocol that transfers data from the local Axcient appliance to the cloud. The new proprietary software tracks unique block-level changes across all protected devices in an organization in real time and only sends the changed blocks to the cloud. It also optimizes transfer over the WAN by reducing network chatter and overhead by more than 90 percent. The result is data transfer of up to 60 times faster — up to100 times faster when combined with Axcient’s new next-generation architecture. No additional hardware is required, and this software is now a part of the company’s core cloud-based data protection offering.
PROMISE Showcases Storage Appliances For IP Video Surveillance
PROMISE Technology has introduced its Vess A2000 Series network video recorder (NVR) storage appliances for IP video surveillance solutions. At ASIS 2013, the company highlighted the appliances’ high-quality resolution imaging, streaming, and real-time access and playback. It is certified with vendor management system solutions from Milestone, Genetec, and OnSSI, and it has external storage expansion capabilities to scale directly with the Vess R2600 RAID subsystem.
Tigerpaw Software Releases Version 13, Mobile 2.0
Professional services automation (PSA) software provider Tigerpaw Software has updated its solution with Version 13, and has also issued an update to its mobile platform, Mobile 2.0. Tigerpaw Business Suite 13 features automatic billing — recurring contract invoices can be automatically created and emailed to customers, and Tigerpaw can process the payment via credit card or electronic payment. This feature has been extended to Tigerpaw’s other contract types such as units, meter clicks, and hourly contracts. Tigerpaw Mobile 2.0’s upgrades include time and work prompts, multiple time logs for a ticket, and alternate date and time settings.
ScanSource Develops Configuration Tool
ScanSource Communications, a distributor of voice, video, and data communications solutions, has developed a new tool, ScanSource Designer. The configuration tool, designed initially for ScanSource Avaya solutions, enables resellers to create quotes and obtain pricing for their customers, and includes Avaya Server Edition and Avaya Price Model. The tool can export Avaya EC format, which helps to solve compatibility issues, and integrates with networking solutions, IP office support services, and video.
Lenovo Offers New Thin Client
Lenovo has expanded its end-to-end enterprise solutions portfolio with a new thin client, the ThinkCentre M32. The desktop virtualization solution is powered by an Intel Celeron Platform and includes legacy port support. Because all data resides on the network — not the thin client — security risks from viruses, spyware or theft are decreased. Customers can choose between a Linux-based thin client operating system, LeTOS, or Windows Embedded Standard 7. The thin client also features Lenovo Terminal Manager (LTM) management software.
GFI MAX Adds Feature To RemoteManagement Platform
GFI MAX has added remote command line to its RemoteManagement platform for MSPs. This feature, the first remote background management function introduced for the platform, enables complete, remote maintenance of customers’ networks without interrupting their work. It will be accessible from within the platform’s dashboard. Additional functions slated for release are remote process control, which enables identification of problematic processes and terminates them, and remote service control, which allows administrators to check on the status of all services on a client’s device and to start or stop them from the dashboard, if necessary.