Continuum eyes European domination
Boston-based backup and remote-management firm boasts about channel credentials
US backup and remote-management firm Continuum aims to be the largest of its kind in Europe after launching a channel push in the region.
The Boston-based firm, which has a UK presence in Bracknell as well as sites in Houston, Pittsburgh and Mumbai, specialises in remote-management and backup technology for MSPs and has more than 1,000 staff and 5,000 partners worldwide.
At the moment, the company has about seven European-focused staff based in Bracknell, who are charged with leading its European push.
Chief executive Michael George told Channelnomics Europe that he wants Continuum to lead the European market in its space within two years.
"We are the only ones crossing over the backup, [remote monitoring and management] RMM and helpdesk world," he said. "Our goal is that in two years, we are the largest provider of IT managed service platforms in all of Europe. That's pretty clear. Is it challenging? Yes. Is it achievable? Yes. It will take some hard work and we will need to bring on new staff so we will be a larger employer in the geography here.
"We're resourced to do that, we are profitable, we're owned by a finance company. The good news is that we don't need to do anything different than we do today; we just need to do more of it."
The company operates entirely through a channel partner model, which George insisted is essential to its success.
"We're 100 per cent channel," he said. "I know companies use the term 'channel friendly', but I think that is a word for 'convenience'. It's like 'we're channel friendly if it's below a certain size'."
Continuum held its first-ever European partner day yesterday in London at which its MSP partners gathered to hear about the company's strategy and plans for the region.
Kelvin Kirby, chief executive of UK reseller Technology Associates, which has recently struck up a partnership with Continuum, said early indications are good.
"It's going to be a big deal for us," he said. "They are fairly aggressive in terms of acquisition. They are acquiring companies that are best of breed. So that's their philosophy and I really like it. We know we are getting a quality product.
"At the partner day yesterday, all I heard were good things. Some of those [at the event] have worked with Continuum for many years. It was great to hear because you never know when entering into [a partnership] with a new partner, unless you have history with them."