Candid conversations with industry veterans, compliance experts, and MSP leaders.
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Whether they are called SLAs or service guarantees, the concept of outcome-based terms within a contract is not new for MSPs. Whether MSPs should still continue to use guarantees within their service agreements today, that is a different question. Highlights: What are SLAs ? Defining outcome-based agreements Historical origins of SLAs Should MSPs today use SLAs? MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott
Will cybersecurity resellers have an impact on managed service providers? Like the value-added resellers of yesterday, these upgraded VARs are making a splash by capitalizing on cybersecurity. But, what is it they are really offering? Are they delivering any services themselves? Highlights: Traditional VARs vs. Cybersecurity Resellers Are these cybersecurity resellers offering any managed services? What can MSPs do to differentiate themselves?
Besides the obvious answers to this question, such as profit margin, ability to scale, efficiency, and higher customer satisfaction, one of the biggest differentiators between MSPs ( proactive ) and reactive or break/fix providers, is their view of data privacy and security. Summary Data breach requirements Monitoring & Management Cybersecurity controls
Pricing your managed services offerings has been a longstanding debate within the MSP community. When certain types of customers present more lucrative targeting from cybercriminals, perhaps it is time to revisit pricing techniques for MSPs and their more high-profile clients. Summary: Risk-Based Pricing Review MSP internal risk assessments ; should they involve clients? Insurance , best practices, and legal agreements all impact your pricing and risk
There are many reasons why you should have a managed services portfolio. Some call it a service catalog, others a service offering. Whatever you call it, the importance of having it within our managed services practice is crucial and can have many long-term impacts throughout your business. Summary: Why is a service catalog important? Managed Services are not consulting services Precise service offerings are easier to communicate in a service agreement MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott
Documentation has many benefits within a managed services practice. But, it also can be incredibly important for compliance. Here are some best practices MSPs of all sizes can adopt and implement. Summary: Why is documentation important for MSPs? Process improvement Remove silos of information Easily onboard users Enforcement of MSP practices and policies Documentation Requirements Impacting Compliance MSP Verify SOC 2 ISO 27001 NIST CMMC GDPR
The decision to change from a break/fix or reactive IT company into a proactive or managed services company is not an easy one, nor should it be undertaken lightly. Being an MSP is a commitment to your clients, and doing things in a very different way. Here are some considerations to help you in your decision-making process. Summary: Why do you want to be an MSP? Do clients have anything to do with this change? Do you understand what is required of you? It's more than just buying the r
Insurance for your MSP practice has never been more important. What types of MSP insurance should you get? What insurance will protect you versus your client? Highlights: What is general liability insurance? Does a remote worker MSP need general liability? What is professional liability insurance? What is E&O or errors and omissions? What is cyber liability insurance? Relationship between insurance and service agreements MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott
Is there a race to the bottom within the managed services profession? Commodity pressures, competition, these elements have always been with us but they do not mean that we are throwing away our services at rock bottom prices because the race to the bottom is inevitable. Show notes: