Service Update: Archived User License Fees Begin in January

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Cumulus Global 15 Years of ServiceService Update: Archived User License Fees Begin on January 23, 2023.

As previously announced by Google and covered in our blog, Google has discontinued the Vault Former Employee (VFE) service.  All Google Workspace customers had there VFE licenses converted to a trial of the Archived User License (AUL) service.

The free trial of the AUL service ends on January 15, 2023.  Archived User License fees begin on January 16, 2023.

Archived User License (AUL) Fees

All customers with active AUL accounts will be invoiced in accordance with their Google Workspace License:

  • $4/user/month – Google Workspace Business AUL
  • $5/user/month – Google Workspace Enterprise Standard AUL
  • $7/user/month – Google Workspace Enterprise Standard AUL

Available Options

In addition to keeping your AUL subscription and paying the above fees, you have the option to:

  • Discontinue the AUL subcription
    • Removing the service will permanently remove all archived data.
    • Deleted archived data cannot be restored or recovered.
  • Export the Data prior to discontinuing the AUL service
    • This provides you with a static copy of existing data in your AUL accounts.
    • Data in your AUL accounts are permanently deleted when you discontinue the subscription.
  • Migrate to a third party archive solution prior to discontinuing the AUL service
    • Your archive of past Google Workspace user accounts is preserved using a third party archive solutions, prior to ending your AUL subscription.
    • The annual fees to retain the archived accounts is significantly lower than AUL licensing.
    • You will incur migration fees to move your data.
    • Data in your AUL accounts are permanently deleted when you discontinue the subscription.

Next Steps

Organizations with Archived User Licenses should contact us as soon as possible by email, via our website, or by scheduling time directly with one of our Cloud Advisors to discuss your options and path forward.

Cumulus Global Receives Inc.’s Inaugural Power Partner Award

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2022 Inc. Power Partner AwardNew award highlights B2B partners that support startups across all business functions and empower growth

WESTBOROUGH, MA, November 22, 2022 – Cumulus Global is honored to be recognized by Inc. Business Media with a listing on the inaugural Power Partner Award list. The awards honor B2B organizations across the globe with proven track records supporting entrepreneurs and helping startups grow. The list recognizes 252 firms in marketing and advertising, health and human resources, technology, finance, and security, and other areas of business.

“We are proud of the recognition in both the Cloud Computing and IT Management and Systems categories,” stated Cumulus Global CEO Allen Falcon. “Our team deserves the credit. The Power Partner Award recognizes our team’s consistent focus on quality services and impactful business results.”

All 252 companies received top marks from clients for being instrumental in helping leadership navigate the dynamic world of startups. These B2B partners support entrepreneurs across various facets of the business, including hiring, compliance, infrastructure development, cloud migration, fundraising, etc., allowing founders to focus on their core missions. 

“Trusted B2B partners provide guidance and expertise that founders rely on at various steps of their organization’s journey. Partners that possess a demonstrated ability to deliver quality support are at the core of entrepreneurship and help bring big ideas to life,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Business media. 

Cumulus Global has helped over 1,500 small and midsize organizations move core productivity services into Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. By understanding clients’ business objectives, Cumulus Global helps companies drive efficiencies and growth by leveraging secure, managed, cloud services and solutions. Cumulus Global services businesses, from solopreneurs and family-owned businesses to fast-growth startups and mature enterprises across multiple industries and markets.

About the Power Partner Awards

Inc. partnered with leading global social and media intelligence platform Meltwater to develop a proprietary methodology that uses sentiment from online conversations about organizations and translates it into numerical scores. Judges evaluated companies on commitment, reliability, trust, creativity, supportiveness, and other virtues that offer value to clients. Inc. gathered client testimonials as part of the process. 

To view the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards/2022

The November 2022 Issue of Inc. magazine is available online now at https://www.inc.com/magazine and on newsstands.

Read more

How Can SMBs Streamline IT Security?

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Data Protection & Security

Cumulus Global CEO, Allen Falcon, answers this question in Inc. Magazine.

Small businesses face new demands to improve and maintain their IT Security.  Customer, vendors, regulators, and insurance carriers are defining criteria and pushing SMBs to implement procedures and technologies. If not managed well, SMBs end up with duplicate services and increased operating costs. How can SMBs streamline their IT security to manage costs without losing capabilities?

To learn more about cyber security for SMBS, visit these blog posts:

Additional resources to help you Streamline IT Security:

Need guidance? Schedule a call with one of our Cloud Advisors.

Service Update: Vault Former Employee End of Life – Aug. 15, 2022

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Cumulus Global 15 Years of ServiceService Update: Vault Former Employee End of Life: VFE Licenses will no longer be available as of January 15, 2023.

As previously announced by Google, free Vault Former Employee (VFE) licenses will no longer be available as of January 15, 2023. To maintain data for past employees, these licenses will transition to Archive User Licenses with compatible Google Workspace subscriptions.  This transition impacts fees beginning in January 2023.

Background

With the launch of Google Workspace, VFE license were replaced by Archive User Licenses.  Existing VFE customers with free licenses were grandfathered.  Google’s original plan to phase our VFE licenses by the end of January 2021 were delayed.  Google recently announced a definitive timeline.  Cumulus Global has also sent informational emails to all of our clients with VFE licenses.

To prevent a loss of data, you should plan your transition to Google Workspace Archive User Licensing (AUL).  Note that AUL is a paid service running with monthly per user fees of $4 to $7.

Impact

If you take no action, you will either:

  1. Lose access to the VFE accounts and data; or
  2. Transition from a free service to the paid AUL service.

Archive User Licenses are not available with G Suite. Therefore, you must transition to Google Workspace to use AULs. 

The cost of AULs varies based on your Google Workspace subscription:

  • Google Workspace Business
    • Plus: $4/user/month
  • Google Workspace Enterprise
    • Standard: $5/user/month
    • Plus: $7/user/month

Note that AULs are NOT available with other Google Workspace licenses.

Action Plan

We will help you with the following steps:

  1. Decide if you need (or want) to continue keeping accounts for past employees.  If so, for how long will you keep the data and how many accounts do you need to license?
    1. Remove accounts no longer needed
    2. Export accounts to preserve data, as appropriate
  2. Assess your current G Suite or Google Workspace subscription for licensing and compatibility
    1. Plan your transition to Google Workspace if you are currently on G Suite Basic, Business, or Enterprise
    2. If you are on Google Workspace, determine if you need to upgrade licenses for AUL compatibility
    3. Confirm that your VFE licenses are now a free trial of Archive User Licenses and the trial end date
    4. Understand the impact on your monthly or annual costs
    5. Determine if you are eligible for transition incentive discounts
  3. Transition, as needed, to Google Workspace before your AUL Trial End Date.

Financial Impact

  • In addition to the per user fees for the Archive User Licenses themselves, you may need to upgrade your Google Workspace subscription to ensure access to AUL services.
  • For existing customers, Cumulus Global will begin invoicing for Archive User Licenses in January.  For those on an annual agreement, the fees will be prorated accordingly.

Please contact us by email, via our website, or by scheduling time directly with one of our Cloud advisors, with any questions or concerns regarding this Service Update covering Vault Former Employee end of life.

Cumulus Global Recognized on CRNs 2022 Fast Growth 150 List

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2022 CRN Fast Growth 150

Cumulus Global proudly announced today that the company is being recognized for its sustained growth on the 2022 Fast Growth 150 List, published by CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company®. Ranked at #84, Cumulus Global is among the fastest growing IT solution providers and integrators in North America over the past two years. 

“We are honored for the recognition of our sales and growth, along with the confidence and trust of our clients,” stated Cumulus Global CEO Allen Falcon. “Our team collaborates, working with businesses to leverage cloud forward solutions and existing IT services to further their business goals. Our growth reflects positively on how clients see the value of our services.”

To maintain consistent growth within the highly competitive and rapidly evolving IT industry, solution providers must constantly evolve.  Staying ahead of changes within markets and client priorities requires forward-thinking business strategies, strong technical skills, and consistent service quality. CRN’s Fast Growth 150 list acknowledges companies, like Cumulus Global, that demonstrate an ongoing dedication toward success and innovation. 

“Despite the near-constant disruptions and unforeseen challenges today’s IT companies face, they must still be ready to adapt and change at a moment’s notice. With the CRN 2022 Fast Growth 150 list, we honor those IT solution providers that have managed to thrive in an industry where stability is often a luxury,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “The companies that earned spots on this year’s list represent the very best in business acumen and strategy, inspiring fellow industry members and proving that with perseverance, meaningful growth is attainable in even the most chaotic business climates. On behalf of CRN and The Channel Company, I wish a heartfelt congratulations and continued success to all companies featured on the 2022 Fast Growth 150 list.”

As a Managed Cloud Services Provider, Cumulus Global blends the best aspects of traditional MSP services with a “cloud first” perspective. Leveraging the economies of cloud computing, Cumulus Global offers these robust, secure services at costs below traditional IT services for small and midsize businesses.

A sampling of the 2022 Fast Growth 150 list will be featured in the August issue of CRN Magazine. You can view the complete list online at www.crn.com/fastgrowth150.

About Cumulus Global

Cumulus Global is an industry-leading managed cloud service provider with a mission to deliver solutions with tangible value.

  • What We Do: We translate your business goals and objectives into solutions and services.
  • How We Do It: We start with your business needs and priorities. Planning and migration includes guidance to help your team adopt and utilize new services. Your team benefits from co-managed services, on-going support, and client success services. We help you adapt as your business changes and grows.
  • What We Offer: Managed cloud solutions featuring Google, Microsoft, and more than three dozen providers.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers, and end-users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com  

Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

The Channel Company Contact:

  • Jennifer Hogan
  • The Channel Company
  • jhogan@thechannelcompany.com

Service Update: Client Information Update – July 6, 2022

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Cumulus Global 15 Years of ServiceService Update: As part of our commitment to provide industry-leading services, we are launching a project to verify and update our client information.

Beginning this month, we will be contacting all of our clients to confirm and update their company information.  Our goal is to ensure that we have current and correct information about your business and the people.

Why are we undertaking this effort?

  • We want to ensure that authorized persons are requesting service changes or actions:
    • We are not always notified when somebody leaves your business or when roles and responsibilities change
    • To help ensure your security, we will limit security change requests to specific individuals
    • We want to ensure that only authorized persons can commit your business to new services that will increase your costs
  • We want to avoid any unnecessary delays in shipping, billing, or processing payments

Company and Contact Info

At the company level, we will be confirming and/or updating:

  • Your primary, billing, and shipping addresses, if different
  • The person(s) responsible and contact information for billing and payments
  • Business level contacts responsible for accepting proposals and approving contracts and contract changes
  • Technical and administrative contacts and their service authorization levels

Authorization Levels

We will be asking you to identity contacts and the authorization levels.  These levels determine their ability to request services and make changes to your account and services.

  • Admin
    • Open service tickets for problems on behalf of users or the IT team
    • Request administrative actions that do not change security settings or permissions
    • Request changes or removal of users and groups
    • Schedule service requests for end users (with Premium Service)
  • Super Admin
    • Admin, plus
    • Request new user accounts
    • Request changes in security settings within client policies
    • Identify and authorized Admins
    • Co-manage service changes and/or deployment/migration projects
  • Business Admin
    • Admin and Super Admin, plus
    • Identify and authorized Super Admins
    • Sign quote, proposals, or contracts that add, modify, remove services

The Process

Over the next several weeks, expect or receive an email message from a member of “Data Heroes” team.  The message will include a linked or attached spreadsheet with the current information we have for the account.  Following the directions provided, you can update, remove, and add information. Follow the simple steps to return the spreadsheet to the team.  Our team will update your company and contact information as needed in our financial and operational systems, and will follow up if they have any specific questions.

Please contact us by email, via our website, or by scheduling time directly with one of our Cloud advisors, with any questions or concerns regarding this service update.

Service Update: Google Workspace Transition Update – June 30, 2022

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Google WorkspaceService Update: As part of the transition from G Suite to Google Workspace, Google began rolling out service changes to both the Google Workspace and G Suite platforms.

Please contact us by email, via our website, or by scheduling time directly with one of our Cloud advisors, with any questions or concerns.

Additional Storage

You can no longer add additional storage to G Suite Basic or to Google Workspace Business Starter licenses. This change impacts both managed and personal storage. Existing added storage will remain in place and functional.  You cannot, however, adjust the amount of existing additional storage to a user account. Nor can you add any additional storage to accounts approaching the 30GB limit.

If you need additional storage for users, the preferred action is to transition to Google Workspace Business Standard, which includes 2TB per user of storage that is pooled and available to all users accounts.

By default, Google will move your entire domain (all users) to Google Workspace Business Standard. Your standard license fees will double from $6 per user per month ($72/year) to $12 per user per month ($144/year). We can assist in arranging discounts to help mitigate your cost increase if you transition before your renewal period (annual commitments) or Google’s automated transition (month-to-month customers).

Depending on your number of user licenses, you may be able to split licensing between Google Workspace Business Starter and Standard subscriptions, limiting the more expensive licensing to only those users with a need for more than 30GB of storage.

Automatic Transitions

We have been discussing the transition from G Suite to Google Workspace and providing updates since November of 2020.  Google is now working to finish the transition process.

Google is automatically transitioning month-to-month customers to Google Workspace.  Your account administrators will receive notice 60 days in advance of the transition.  Google will transition all of your users based on storage, features, and security settings in use.  By default, all users will transition to the highest license level needed by any user within your domain.  These changes will increase your license costs; for many these increases will be significant.

You may be able mitigate costs by  splitting licenses within the Business and Enterprise tiers. Eligibility is based on your number of users and utilization.

We can also work to obtain discounts related to your transition.

For us to help, we need to begin your transition before Google initiates your automatic transition process.

Please contact us by email, via our website, or by scheduling time directly with one of our Cloud advisors, with any questions or concerns regarding this service update.

Cumulus Global Recognized on the Channel Futures 2022 MSP 501

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The Annual MSP 501 Ranks Cumulus Global as a Best-in-Class Businesses with Innovation-Driven Growth

2022 MSP 501 WinnerJune 16, 2022 – Westborough, MA – Cumulus Global has been recognized as one of the world’s premier managed service providers on the prestigious 2022 Channel Futures MSP 501.  Selected by the editors of Channel Futures, Cumulus Global ranks at #139 on the list.  This ranking recognizes Cumulus Global for its performance across a broad range of criteria, including sales; recurring revenue and revenue mix; growth opportunities; innovation and solutions; profitability; and customer and company demographics.

“The recognition and inclusion on the 2022 MSP 501 is exciting and an honor,” stated Cumulus Global CEO Allen Falcon. “Our success directly results from the expertise and effort of our team, our cloud computing partnership with clients, and our vendor relations. Together, our cloud forward solutions help clients exceed their business goals and objectives.”

MSPs that qualify for the list pass a rigorous review by the research team and editors of Channel Futures. The team ranks applicants using a unique methodology. Financial performance according to long-term health and viability, commitment to recurring revenue, and operational efficiency are key analysis factors.

“It is not enough to delivery great services,” noted Falcon. “Continually improving our efficiencies and those of our clients creates near- and long-term value.”

The MSP 501 has evolved from a competitive ranking into a vibrant group of innovators focused on high levels of customer satisfaction at small, medium, and large organizations in public and private sectors. As with many firms listed on the MSP 501, Cumulus Global’s services and technology offerings focus on growing customer needs in the areas of cloud, security, collaboration, and support of hybrid work forces.

The complete 2022 MSP 501 list will be available on the Channel Futures website on Monday, June 20th.

Organizations interested in learning more about Cumulus Global’s services can contact us or schedule an appointment with a Cloud Advisor.

Background

“The 2022 Channel Futures MSP 501 winners are the highest-performing and most innovative IT providers in the industry today,” said Allison Francis, senior news editor for Channel Futures. “The 501 has truly evolved with the MSP market, as showcased by this year’s crop of winners. This is the fifth consecutive year of application pool growth, making this year’s list one of the best on record.”

The 2022 MSP 501 list is based on confidential data collected and analyzed by the Channel Futures editorial and research teams. Data collection ran from Feb. 1-April 30, 2022. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, profit margin and other factors.

About Cumulus Global

A nationally recognized managed cloud service provider, Cumulus Global helps small and midsize enterprises get more value from your existing IT and new cloud computing services. Translating your business goals and objectives into solutions and services, we co-manage your IT services, support your team, and keep your IT systems in sync with your changing business needs and priorities.

About Channel Futures

 Channel Futures is a media and events platform serving companies in the information and communication technologies (ICT) channel industry with insights, industry analysis, peer engagement, business information and in-person events. We provide information, perspective, and connection for the entire channel ecosystem. This community includes technology and communications consultants, integrators, sellers, MSPs, agents, vendors and providers.

Channel Futures is part of Informa Tech, a market-leading B2B information provider with depth and specialization in ICT sector. Each year, we welcome 14,000+ research subscribers, over 4 million unique monthly visitors to our digital communities, 18,200 students to our training programs, and 225,000 delegates to our events.

Media Contacts

Allen Falcon
CEO, Cumulus Global
afalcon@cumulusglobal.com

 

Allison Francis
Senior News Editor, Channel Futures and MSP 501
allison.francis@informa.com

 

Service Update: Advanced Threat Protection

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Service Update Announcement

Beginning July 1, 2022, Cumulus Global is adding Advanced Threat Protection services to all clients using Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.

With more than 40% of cyber attacks targeting small businesses and two thirds of attacks using email, Advanced Threat Protection is no longer an option. The stakes are too high. Recovery takes an average of 21 days and 60% of small businesses fail within six months of a successful attack.

To minimize the impact, we are waiving the standard setup fee and discounting the service by 20% for customers with an annual commitment. The fee will be reflected on your annual invoice or monthly invoices, as appropriate.

You may opt out of the Advanced Threat Protection service. To opt-out, please notify us by email prior to May 25, 2022. If you elect to opt-out, please review the terms of our Service Level Agreement as posted on our website.

Please contact us or schedule time with one of our cloud advisors if you have any questions.

Cumulus Global Awarded MSP 500 Status for Fourth Consecutive Year

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For the fourth consecutive year, CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Cumulus Global to its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Pioneer 250 category for 2022. The list recognizes innovative and forward-thinking services providers throughout North America. The award focuses on service providers who deliver best-of-breed services and solutions that help businesses and their teams achieve tangible business results.

“We are honored and grateful that our peers see our managed cloud services as industry-leading solutions,” stated Cumulus Global CEO Allen Falcon. “The continued recognition confirms our believe that small and midsize business success requires a great team, robust vendor relationships, and creative, innovative, and effective solutions.”

With many customers still recovering from the impact of the ongoing pandemic, MSPs have become a vital part of the success of businesses worldwide. MSPs not only empower organizations to leverage intricate technologies but also help them keep a strict focus on their core business goals without straining their budgets.

“In addition to having to adjust their own business operations to account for the changed conditions during the pandemic, MSPs have also seen increased demand for their managed communications, collaboration and security services,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “The solution providers on our 2022 MSP 500 list deserve credit for their innovative and game-changing approaches to managed services in these unpredictable times, as well as their ability to optimize operational efficiencies and systems without straining IT budgets.”

Cumulus Global, as a Managed Cloud Solution Provider, matches the best aspects of MSP services with a “cloud-first” perspective. Leveraging the economies of cloud computing, Cumulus Global offers robust, secure, productivity and digital transformation services more cost effectively than traditional IT services for small and midsize businesses.

The MSP 500 list is featured in the February 2022 issue of CRN and online at www.CRN.com/msp500.

About Cumulus Global

Cumulus Global is an industry-leading managed cloud service provider with a mission to deliver solutions with tangible value.

What We Do: We translate your business goals and objectives into solutions and services.

How We Do It: We start with your business needs and priorities. Planning and migration includes guidance to help your team adopt and utilize new services. Your team benefits from co-managed services, on-going support, and client success services that help you adapt as your business changes and grows.

What We Offer: Managed cloud solutions featuring Google, Microsoft, and more than three dozen providers.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com