ConnectWise Adds StorageCraft Integration For Backup, Disaster Recovery
Backup and disaster recovery solutions are now a little easier for ConnectWise partners as the IT management platform adds an integration with StorageCraft.
The integration module, announced Tuesday, gives MSPs access to StorageCraft's Recover-Ability Solution, a suite of software and services for backup, recovery and management of systems, applications and data.
The integration with ConnectWise includes functions for MSPs to streamline the billing process, manage licenses for a variety of StorageCraft solutions, map and analyze usage, synchronize user data, audit changes and more.
[Related: Q&A: ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini On The Future Of The MSP Market]
"In addition to quickly and reliably accessing their customers' data and systems after an IT disaster, the integration module sets the stage for reduced overhead costs for ConnectWise partners with an accurate and automated billing process," said Brandon Nordquist, vice president of product management at StorageCraft, in a statement about the news.
The integration announcement comes just a week after ConnectWise's IT Nation event, held in Orlando, Fla. At the event, Jeannine Edwards, director of the ConnectWise Platform, said that one of the big additions partners of the IT management platform can expect in the next year is the rapid expansion of integrations and APIs.
"We're excited that StorageCraft has completed their integration to ConnectWise," Edwards said in a statement. "StorageCraft is a great addition to our Integrator Community."
StorageCraft has been rapidly growing a name for itself in the channel as an emerging vendor. It was recently named to the CRN Cloud Partner Program Guide and Partner Program Guide. Its executives have been recently named CRN Channel Chiefs, Top 100 Executives and Top 50 IT Midmarket Vendor Executives.
StorageCraft already has an integration, announced in March, with competitor IT management platform Autotask. The ConnectWise integration module will be available in the U.S. and Canada and is free through the StorageCraft MSP portal.
Mike Hadley, CEO of Boston-based ConnectWise partner iCorps Technologies, said he thinks the integration has come at a great time for the company. iCorps isn't currently a StorageCraft partner, but Hadley said the company is looking to make a move from its current vendor. StorageCraft is one of the vendors, among others, that iCorps is evaluating, he said, so the timing is perfect for an integration.
"I think it's fantastic. I think the more that we can integrate these offerings, these service-type offerings into ConnectWise, it is fabulous," Hadley said.
Hadley was at IT Nation and praised ConnectWise's strategy to expand its integration offerings. He said it helps streamline operations and show customers the value they get behind their managed services.
"When you sell managed services to clients, you need to show them value every month too," Hadley said. "This looks to me like a great way you can do that and streamline their operations."
That value, plus increased access to information to vendors such as StorageCraft, will help MSPs continue to grow with ConnectWise, he said.
"I think it's going to help companies like ours from outgrowing ConnectWise," Hadley said.
PUBLISHED NOV. 26, 2014