The VAR Guy

Dell’s ongoing march into the systems management market has taken an interesting turn. As part of the KACE Networks buyout, Dell is now in position to sell systems management appliances. And those appliances, in turn, can help VARs and MSPs to proactively maintain Linux PCs and Apple Macintoshes. Here are the details.

Dell announced plans to acquire KACE last week. Since that time, KACE has received numerous phone calls from customers who want to know if Dell will continue supporting KACE’s Linux and Macintosh efforts.

According to APC Magazine, an Australia-based media site covering the PC industry, KACE is busy telling Apple and Linux customers not to panic. “One of the reasons why Dell acquired us is because we have support for both Mac and Linux and we intend to enhance it going forth,” a KACE employee told APCmag.

Still, Dell’s moves into the systems management market have been hit-and-miss. Back in 2007, Dell acquired both Everdream and Silverback Technologies to more effectively manage servers and PCs. Scores of MSPs still leverage those technologies — particularly the Silverback offerings. But there wasn’t much growth around Dell’s MSP partner program in 2009.

Of course, Dell deserves some equal time on the subject. The VAR Guy is scheduled to speak with Dell Channel Chief Greg Davis on Feb. 19 — a day after Dell discloses its latest quarterly earnings results.

In the meantime, the KACE deal seems set to help Dell’s channel partners to better manage Apple Macs and Linux devices…

Read More About This Topic

• Related posts are coming soon