Written by: Charles Weaver, CEO of MSPAlliance
ConnectWise has purchased Continuum. It's the news everyone will be discussing for the next several months. And, understandably so, this is a big deal for the managed services profession with the potential to change things in significant ways, for good or for bad.
Here is our analysis at MSPAlliance as we pick apart all sides of the argument to determine how MSPs can best navigate this momentous deal.
We Told You So
First, we told you so. Earlier this year, we wrote about the possibility of consolidation amongst the Thoma Bravo conglomerate of RMM platform companies. There was a reason behind the accumulation of so many companies all selling to MSPs.
This is just the start
There is no reason to believe the Thoma Bravo will stop. Unless the integration of ConnectWise and Continuum goes wrong, why wouldn't the private equity firm continue consolidation and combine SolarWinds, or even Barracuda into a giant RMM platform?
Good for Continuum MSPs
This should ultimately be seen as a good outcome for Continuum MSPs and customers. After a rocky road since the early Zenith Infotech days, Continuum's RMM plus outsourced NOC and help desk has been used by many smaller MSPs. Becoming part of a much larger and arguably more mature RMM platform should benefit those MSPs and the customers they serve.
Tough Choices Ahead for Continuum MSPs
While both ConnectWise and Continuum have competing RMM tools, the question must be asked about which one will be dominant. Fred Voccola, CEO of Kaseya, has some thoughts about what will likely happen. Assuming ConnectWise will ultimately choose one RMM tool over the other, such a decision could mean big decisions (and hassles) for MSPs.
