Autotask Acquires VARStreet
Management software provider adds automated IT product sales and procurement solutions to its offerings.
Autotask Corp., a hosted IT business management software provider Autotask Corp. has acquired cloud-based VARStreet. 
The VARStreet e-commerce platform adds IT professional services automation (PSA) to the Autotask lineup, including a powerful automated IT product sales and procurement process.
VARStreet is a hosted e-commerce automation platform for technologyresellers. It currently supports almost $1 billion in IT product sales annually.
With the acquisition, Autotask Corp. has announced the immediate availability of several new products for VARs, MSPs and other channel pros. There are three VARStreet products which are available immediately:
- VARStreet Back-Office–A completely integrated IT product sales and procurement platform that includes real-time pricing and availability from distributors, advanced product quoting, sourcing, and fulfillment.
- VARStreet e-Commerce–This includes VARStreet Back-Office plus a complete VAR-branded and controlled e-storefront.
- VARStreet XC Platform–This existing platform is now available with additional features and controls.
Autotask says an embedded e-commerce module for Autotask is scheduled for release in late April 2010.
“IT engagements and managed services naturally carry a product component when VARs consult on the full solution,” says Bob Godgart, CEO of Autotask Corp. “However, without the right automation tools in place, they find that the sales and procurement process is too time-consuming to cover the small margins associated with commoditized products. And worse, when their customers choose to buy technology products through other channels, solution providers lose control over the relationship and can miss out on installation, training, maintenance and managed services revenue.”
Godgart adds, “[Autotask is] going to make the VARStreet advanced e-commerce technology available and affordable to help more solution providers gain a greater share of their customers’ technology purchases, and give them the ability to make decent money in the process.”
