Microsoft looks to take over the management of enterprise desktop PCs with Microsoft Managed Desktop (MMD)-- a service handing off day-to-day tasks to the Windows developer, allowing admins to concentrate on the business side of things.

The service is combines the Microsoft 365 Enterprise device-as-a-service and cloud-based management. It involves the leasing of what Microsoft calls "modern hardware," systems with the appropriate hardware security and remote management features. Initially the hardware selection consists of 1st party Surface devices, before the eventual addition of 3rd party hardware from the likes of Dell and HP, among others.

The Datto European State of the MSP report points out a number of challenges managed services players currently face, with the top concerns including sales, staffing, security and customer services.

The report is the result of a survey of 400 MSPs across Europe.

The sales issue mainly concerns lead generation, since many MSPs find it difficult to get a strategy delivering decent opportunities. Following is staffing, described as a major headache across sales, marketing and engineering departments. Meanwhile, on the security front, many MSPs are aware ransomware represents an opportunity, but need more knowledge to be able to provide such support to customers.

Following the failure of the Staples acquisition Office Depot announces another big purchase-- system integration giant CompuCom, a deal worth approximately $1 billion.

"Technology is the office supply of the future,” Office Depot CEO Gerry Smith says. “Today marks a significant milestone as we move to provide a unique business services platform for our current and future customers. Acquiring CompuCom is the first step in this new strategic direction."

Private equity investment firm Thoma Bravo purchases Continuum, the global IT management platform provider, in a bid to further push its investment presence in SMB space.

Continuum currently provides IT management for around 5800 MSPs globally, and services over 60000 SMB customers. It also offers Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), backup and disaster recovery and security offerings, with a vertically integrated service delivery model combining SaaS-based technology with a best-in-class Network Operations Center (NOC) and help desk.

Last month saw Continuum launch Continuum Network Management by Auvik-- the result of a September 2016 partnership agreement, providing MSPs with insight and visibility into client IT environments.