Rebit Inc. was already in the backup market and saw a natural evolution into the file share and sync spaces. The approach is to add file sync and share to its existing RebitPro backup technology in a blended offering called Mobius. This is a smart move as it helps to differentiate Rebit from competitors purely focused on backup. But that differentiation won’t last forever as more backup vendors are adding integrated services just as Rebit did.
Rebit aims its tools, such as the new Rebit Mobius, exclusively at MSPs and cloud providers. Like RMM vendors, Rebit offers a Web-based portal through which MSPs can manage, monitor and provision clients. Partners can also white label the Rebit solutions. Like many backup firms, Mobius can be purely in the cloud, purely on-premises or as a hybrid installation.
“MSPs and CSPs have unique implementation requirements and want to remain in control of their customer relationships,” said Paul Guerin, CEO, Rebit Inc. “Rebit Mobius is a fully integrated, secure and brandable service with a flexible deployment model, empowering service providers to deliver a customized solution to their customers.”
Many MSPs lead with backup, which all shops need, and then sell additional services that tie in afterwards. But if you don’t land the backup sale, you won’t get the add-on sales either.
One partner is a fan of the way the backup works. “I plan to offer RebitPro to all of my clients with servers and small networks... It will help them get away from multiple vendors — one for local backup and one for cloud backup — and will work in real time, giving a better point of recovery if something should happen. RebitPro will simplify the backup process for a significant number of my clients and remove the concerns they have about current backup processes with multiple vendors. For me, it provides a simple solution to a complex problem — server backup,” said Gerry Anthony, G-tech solutions.
The File Sync and Share Market
File sharing and sync is a hot area as more and more users are more and more mobile and use more and more devices. Instead of loading all the PC and mobile devices with client software and having the file sync and share engine on an in-house server, it is far easier to plunk it all in the cloud. This is true for small shops, and just as true for enterprises who must meet the demands of hundreds or thousands of increasing mobile and multi-device end-users.
The file sync and share space is now big enough that Forrester Research follows it as a category, as it did in its recent “Forrester Wave: File Sync and Share Platforms, Q3 2013” report. “The explosive proliferation of powerful mobile devices has led to employee demand for solutions that will allow seamless access to enterprise content from any device. Solutions like Dropbox, originally developed for consumer usage, have barged into the enterprise, forcing IT to reconsider how to balance its portfolio against consumer demands,” Forrester wrote. “File sync and share is borne of two requirements: the need to sync files on all devices and share files with colleagues and partners. These two capabilities cover scenarios ranging from email attachment replacement to file system replacement, from casual partner collaboration to compliant workflow in regulated industries.”
Edited by
Cassandra Tucker
