While anyone can spot a big story, it's not as easy to pinpoint ones that make smaller ripples, indicating something larger going on under the surface. A case in point: Texas managed services provider Aldridge's purchase this week of two Seattle-based IT services firms, Arterian and PacketDrivers.
Both companies focus on Microsoft technologies. Aldridge is consolidating their operations and basing the combined entity in Seattle. It's also created a subsidiary that will focus on Microsoft's Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program.
"Cloud solutions are the future for the IT managed services industry and Microsoft's CSP program is contributing to significant disruption in IT services generally," subsidiary president Jamison West said in a statement. "With the Arterian subsidiary solely focused on advancing this business strategy, we expect to rapidly accelerate the growth of the Azure and Office 365 customer base."
Analysis: This Ripple May Become A Wave
Make no mistake: Even with the two acquisitions, Aldridge is not a massive operation, with its headcount now standing at about 130. But the deal is a telling one for what it says about the Microsoft partner community, says Constellation Research founder R "Ray" Wang.
“We are seeing a consolidation in the MIcrosoft partner ecosystem," Wang says. "Service providers who used to focus in on one part of the Microsoft stack recognize the need to bring a full services approach, whether it’s Dynamics, Azure, Office 365, or other capabilities. The goal is to deliver on the full Microsoft stack with cloud as the driver. Geos play a key role in delivery and we can expect even more mergers in 2016."