IT management, MSP

Kaseya Veteran Launches Mac OS Managed Services Platform

When it comes to managed services and RMM (remote monitoring and management) software, Mac OS support typically is a laggard. Yes, many RMM tools have gradually gained some Mac OS management capabilities. But Addigy -- an emerging RMM provider -- is betting the entire business on Mac OS.

Addigy founder and CEO Jason Dettbarn previously held a range of positions at Kaseya, which made its mark providing a range of IT automation tools to MSPs and midmarket businesses.

"Current software vendors are really not supporting Macs to any real degree close to PCs," Dettbarn insists. "Even though we @Addigy know the MSP landscape well, we are continually surprised at how many Mac-only MSPs exist or develop.  More importantly, nearly all MSPs (without trying) inherit ~10% Macs in their portfolio.  With their current RMM platforms, MSPs are only delivering on-demand remote control, and these assets are typically owned by the C-level execs at their customers... the ones who should be receiving the highest level of service."

Jason Dettbarn

By focusing on the Mac market, Dettbarn says MSPs can escape from commodity PC support pricing, while also shifting marketing and lead generation campaigns toward Apple's customer base -- where support offerings are fewer and far between.

Addigy isn't alone in its mindset. I first spotted a few MSPs focused on the Mac market back in 2009. Names to know include Forget Computers in Chicago -- though I don't know what platforms and tools they currently use to remotely maintain customers' Mac systems. Ironically, former Kaseya CEO Gerald Blackie also is focusing his latest company -- Pilixo -- on some Mac management capabilities as part of a larger Internet of Things platform buildout.

Of course, I've got plenty of questions for Addigy. In particular:

  • What Mac-centric support capabilities does Addigy offer?
  • How much does it cost MSPs?
  • And how does Addigy plan to scale its business to support MSPs?
  • Are MSPs willing to run two RMM platforms -- one for Mac OS, and one for all other mobile and desktop devices?

Dettbarn and I expect to connect in the next few weeks to tackle those questions ... and more.

Joe Panettieri

Joe Panettieri is co-founder & editorial director of MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E, the two leading news & analysis sites for managed service providers in the cybersecurity market.