N-abling MSP's Configuration Options With A Smart Redesign

VARs in the managed service arena know that their success depends on how well they can demonstrate to potential customers the business values of their services and how those services translate into better efficiency and higher profitability.

Version 5 of N-central is the company's first major redesign since the product's launch in 2000. N-able changed the entire architecture of the product from the ground up and rewrote the software using Java-based technology.

N-central is modular and is sold based on the number of services the MSP wants to offer. For example, the basic introductory platform consists of a number of targeted modules and is priced starting at $6,000 for a five-customer license.

Predominantly, N-able sells its software solution without the hardware included; however, those needing a turnkey solution can buy the Hewlett-Packard DL360G4 server for $4,200. N-central 5 has to be on a dedicated server to operate efficiently. N-able's partners also can install the software on any number of serversthey do not have to be HP-based.

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For testing purposes, CRN engineers evaluated a preconfigured HP server. Once the server was deployed in a rack and given a valid IP address, engineers used the auto discovery feature to scan the network for devices. The service has to be installed at one point on every customer network, which can support up to 250 devices. If the network calls for more connections, VARs can deploy multiple services.

N-central 5 uses both agents and probes to collect data from networked devices. An agent is deployed to the client site, communicates with the central server and then calls out through the firewall and sets up a two-way communication tunnel. The connection it creates with the server is not a persistent connection and only acts when it is called upon. The probe will collect the data and call back to the server. Since it is client initiated, the information collected by the probe is allowed to pass through the firewall.

N-central 5 uses XML over SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), a lightweight XML-based messaging protocol used to encode the information in Web service requests before sending them over a network with 128-bit encryption.

CRN engineers were surprised to see its extensive management capabilities for heterogeneous environments. N-central supports platforms such as Novell, Linux, Solaris and UNIX, which were not supported by other managed service platforms CRN engineers dealt with in the past. N-able has informed the Test Center that the Mac will soon be included as well.

The main user interface is very easy to use and navigate. It provides a number of different views for different configuration modes, and all system parameters and settings can be set within here.

The system is capable of managing multiple customers. There are between 140 and 150 services integrated into the product.

One service that was comprehensive and proved valuable was the notification engine and all the options available to the administrator for notification of any miscue within the environment.

Version 5 includes a software developer's kit, which is a Windows-based module that allows VARs to create and deploy services not offered by N-able. For example, if a customer wants to scan for a sys.log entry on one particular firewall in their infrastructure, they can create it here.

The vast majority of N-able end users are SMBs, which bodes well for MSPs that can tackle this market segment, where there typically isn't an IT staff or there is not enough work for specialists in e-mailing, security and networking. Effectively, what an MSP is doing is time-sharing people across multiple networks that allow them to build specialties in these areas.

N-able is looking to build its channel reach with a new program scheduled to go into effect on March 1. The planned two-tier partner program is truly a lesson in simplicity. Level 1 is for MSPs looking to sell licenses for fewer than 10 people, while level 2 is for environments with more than 10 end users.

Both levels receive standard technical support, the N-central 5 Remote Monitoring and a Management Platform that consists of a series of Managed Modules (Network, Desktop, Security, VoIP and Application). The company supports its partners with a Business Transformation Service, which is designed to help them profitably acquire more customers and increase customer satisfaction.

Partners receive training via N-able University, which provides 35 online courses, a template for building an MSP business and extensive marketing collateral. Level 2 partners also have access to a dedicated development specialist and a channel sales representative.

Partner net profits range from 10 percent to 20 percent and are recurring based upon the level of service offered to the end customer. There are no additional costs for becoming a partner with the company other than the initial platform purchase.