SAM MSP Group Test – The Results
I am pleased to announce my report on SAM Managed Service Providers (MSP) is now available.
Download the full report here.
A competitive comparison of specialist SAM providers
An independent review of leading worldwide SAM Managed Service Providers
This group test looks at the capabilities of six leading SAM Managed Service Providers: Aspera, Computacenter, eTelligent, ITAM Solutions, SHI International and Softline Solutions.
There is considerable interest in ITAM managed services, although the market is very much in it’s infancy. The key difference when buying SAM Managed services rather than SAM tools and consulting is that organizations are buying an SLA or a business outcome rather than technology.
Service providers were rated based on the expertise, methodology and strength of customer references. General market observations during the study included the industry skills shortage, the use of underlying SAM technology, commercial independence and conflicts of interest, the scope of services, the duration of service relationships, key market drivers and using ISO as a reference model.
Contents Summary
- Introduction
- Assessment Criteria
- Market Observations
- Buyers Guide to Selecting a SAM MSP – General Advice
- Buyers Guide to Selecting a SAM MSP – Anecdotal Feedback
- Overall Best in Class
- Partner Summaries
- Anecdotal References for Providers
Download the full report here.
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About Martin Thompson
Martin is also the founder of ITAM Forum, a not-for-profit trade body for the ITAM industry created to raise the profile of the profession and bring an organisational certification to market. On a voluntary basis Martin is a contributor to ISO WG21 which develops the ITAM International Standard ISO/IEC 19770.
He is also the author of the book "Practical ITAM - The essential guide for IT Asset Managers", a book that describes how to get started and make a difference in the field of IT Asset Management. In addition, Martin developed the PITAM training course and certification.
Prior to founding the ITAM Review in 2008 Martin worked for Centennial Software (Ivanti), Silicon Graphics, CA Technologies and Computer 2000 (Tech Data).
When not working, Martin likes to Ski, Hike, Motorbike and spend time with his young family.
Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.
Question from a reader:
“A question for you, on Page 13 you talk about the Scope and the percentages stating 48% outsourced global SAM. Can I assume this would be as part of a hardware outsource agreement, would that be a correct assumption?”
No, typically not for the providers we spoke with. For this review I wanted to specifically seek specialist SAM providers – so for the customers references and partners in this study they were just looking after the software. I’m sure there are plenty of providers that do both but we specifically focussed on SAM specialists.