Candid conversations with industry veterans, compliance experts, and MSP leaders.
Hosted by Charles Weaver
Pitch yourself as a guest on the MSP Zone — we're always looking for MSP leaders and experts with a point of view worth sharing.
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network It has been a while since we discussed the topic of MSP talent shortages, specific to security (i.e., cybersecurity ). A lot has happened since earlier in the year and I wanted to provide you all with an update on where we stand, how the industry is doing, and where we are seeing the most results. Now, the first warning is do not get upset by what you hear. I am going to talk in generalities about what we are seeing across a very large
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network Here is some friendly advice for policy makers and legislators moving on the issue of MSP regulation (of any kind) next year, 2023. Since 2020, we have seen a large amount of activity in the cyber regulation area, including specific regulations calling out managed service providers (MSP). Highlights: Direction of MSP Regulation in 2023 Flaws in MSP regulation requiring a fix What MSPs Need from MSP Regulation
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network In today's episode, we delve into a topic that often gets overshadowed by the buzz around growth-oriented Managed Service Provider (MSP) platforms. With all the pressure and hype surrounding these platforms, it's easy to overlook some of the fundamental characteristics that are crucial for the success of smaller MSPs. One such characteristic, which we believe is incredibly important, is the ability to effectively analyze, ide
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network In today's episode, we tackle a topic that many Managed Service Provider (MSP) owners and operators find challenging: sales . While sales is universally acknowledged as a crucial business component for all MSPs, mastering the art of sales remains elusive for many in the industry. We aim to break down the stereotypes surrounding sales in the managed services profession. Our discussion covers everything from the sales process a
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network Last week was the MSPAlliance Inspire "peer" group meeting in Las Vegas. I say "peer group" in quotes because this group sees themselves as the anti-peer group. Born out of the frustration of many peer group veterans, they created the MSPAlliance Inspire to bring networking and leadership in managed services to a new level. Here are some of the things they discussed and what I learned from observing these MSPs. Highlights: MSPs need a
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network I recently spoke with an insurance executive and we had a very interesting conversation about risk and perceptions of risk related to cyber security and managed services. This conversation was eye-opening for a number of reasons, but mostly because it exposed me to a viewpoint I had not fully considered before. This conversation is important because it represents what I believe is the larger debate happening right now between MSPs on o
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network Ransomware impacts many industries throughout the world, but today we focus on the manufacturing sector. Is the manufacturing industry facing an increase in cyber-attacks? If so, how are they responding to these attacks and what changes are they making to become more resilient to such attacks? John Shier, senior security advisor with Sophos, enters the MSP Zone to discuss his analysis of a recent Sophos ransomware study . Highlights 52
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network Any organization can experience growth. Some may have to buy it, such as through M&A transactions. Others may be lucky enough to experience growth organically. Maybe they have a really good product, perhaps they just have an awesome sales and marketing team, or perhaps they are just fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. The same is true for MSPs. MSPs, however, have to consider something when going through a growth
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network There are many organizations looking to get a better handle on their IT management, including their security. For the majority of these organizations, it is impossible to do this entirely on their own. As such, these entities often seek out MSPs to resolve a variety of business, technical, and security objectives. Before engaging an MSP, however, there are some things you ought to know about your MSP. Here is our list of questions you
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network As the economy continues to behave erratically, there are disturbing reports emerging about how the MSP sector may respond to this economic turbulence. MSPs will respond one way to economic tough times, reactive or break/fix providers tend to react in a vastly different manner. How these different providers respond may have far-reaching consequences, both to their own organizations, but also for their customers. Highlights: MSP vs Brea
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network & VARC In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and essential world of risk assessments . While everyone can universally agree that risk assessments are beneficial, the term can mean very different things to different people. We aim to unravel these differences and provide a comprehensive understanding of what risk assessments entail. We start by answering the fundamental question: What is an MSP risk assessment? We
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network & VARC Our friend Corey Munson from PC Matic brought this study to our attention and it's a great piece that every MSP ought to read. The study , published by Deloitte and NASCIO, compares attitudes by state CIOs on a variety of topics from 2020 and 2022. The report identifies a pretty significant increase in the number of state CIOs wanting to work with an MSP in 2022. But, it's important to unpack some of the historical data arou
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network & VARC Managed Service Providers (MSP) have been at the center of a global discussion around security. There is nothing wrong with this discussion. In fact, it is a good thing that we have a conversation around data privacy, security, and the ways people and organizations can protect themselves against such threats (hint: working with an MSP should make you safer!). However, the role of the MSP (historically and even through to tod
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network & VARC In this episode, we tackle a provocative yet crucial topic for Managed Service Providers (MSPs): the up-selling and integration of managed security into your standard offerings. If you currently offer any form of managed security or plan to in the near future, this episode is a must-listen. We start with a bold statement: you may want to stop up-selling customers on managed security. This might sound controversial,
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network The terms managed services and MSP have a particular meaning, both professionally through organizations like MSPAlliance, but also through the common usage. When those accepted terms begin to change to the point where they no longer have the same meaning, you can expect problems to occur. Regardless of your definition of managed services ( here is ours), take a listen to this episode and come to your own conclusions about what MSP and
Weaver Outrage Meter (Low) Co-managed services is not new. In fact, it has been around since the beginning of the managed services profession. If you want to be completely honest, managed services began as a "co-managed" model with the MSP playing the critical outsourcing role but being directed by internal IT. Those days have changed. Highlights: Origins of co-managed services Co-managed services defined When co-managed services does not work MSP Zone Reading Material: Why the future of managed
If you have ever considered or called yourself a " trusted advisor " then you may want to pay attention to this. The trusted advisor designation is under attack and is being threatened with the worst possible outcome, irrelevance. If you doubt this claim, I will present the following emerging trends which are threatening the MSP and need to be addressed by the profession. The thing you must understand is as trusted advisors, this designation is like a knife's edge, it must always be sharpened or
Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM): Low In this episode, we delve into a topic that is familiar to the Managed Service Provider (MSP) community but often overlooked in terms of its potential for improvement: MSP documentation . While documentation is not a new concept, many MSPs could significantly enhance their practices by focusing more on this critical aspect. We begin by examining the current state of MSP documentation . Despite its recognized importance, documentation is an area where man
Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM): Low Are you looking for MSP acquisitions ? Do you think you are ready? I come across a lot of MSPs who think they are ready do to acquisitions. In reality, few have given much thought to what is involved in the process and what it will really do to their MSP practice. This episode will examine both sides of the M&A process (buyer and seller) and discuss some facts about the M&A world which may be new to many of you. These tips will be very helpful for you, reg
Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM): Low Most people think of the IT channel as just some vast thoroughfare of companies all moving in the same general direction, all doing pretty much the same thing. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you want to sell to MSPs, you should listen to this podcast. You will learn about the various types of channel companies, what makes them each unique, and most importantly how the MSP channel business model stands apart from all other IT channel companies. Highlig
What is a managed service provider ? It's a question I have been getting asked for decades. In fairness, it is an important question, as well as a difficult one to answer. In this episode we will address the question from a variety of perspectives, attempting to create a workable definition everyone can use. Highlights: Who is asking the question? Why do they want to know? What is an MSP?
Weaver Outrage Meter :Low When cybersecurity consultants attack. Just kidding. Well, sort of. Today, we address the issue of cybersecurity consultants and the impact (not always good) on managed services customers. These consultants, who are not in any way knowledgeable about managed services, or have limited exposure about security issues and best practices, are actively inserting themselves into managed service client relationships with a goal towards helping the client improve their
MSP channel veteran Stephan Tallent, Stellar Cyber, drops into the MSP Zone to discuss a wide range of topics. We cover trends in hiring security analysts, bridging the MSP talent gap, adoption rates of XDR amongst MSPs and customers, and more. Highlights: Good time to be an MSP? XDR or SASE Talent Gap MSP Zone Guest: Stephan Tallent, Stellar Cyber
Is saving money a legitimate objective when engaging an MSP? Justin Current of SirviS enters the MSP Zone to discuss the age old question, can MSPs save their clients money through managed services . This question has actually been around since the early days of managed services. You may be surprised but there are ways that MSPs can save their clients money, particularly when it comes to infrastructure costs related to data centers. No, this isn't your typical move everything to the cloud discus
While we may accept that remote work is here to stay (at least in some capacity), we must have a discussion around how remote workers should be working. Most of the discussion to date has been around securing the remote worker but little has been spent talking about productivity and communications. Corey Jones from NUSO joins the MSP Zone for an important discussion around changes which must occur in order for remote workers to become fully equipped and enabled to remain productivity w
According to the US gross domestic product (GDP) numbers we are in a recession . But, that doesn’t mean you have to panic. In fact, if you are an MSP, you might actually have a pretty good economic future, if you take the right steps. The right steps will depend on your particular situation but there are some fundamentals every MSP ought to consider and prepare for when going into difficult financial and economic times. Highlights: How leveraged is your MSP practice on break/fix and VAR revenue?
Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM): Low I used to do a lot of M&A work in a previous life…specifically for MSPs. I have some amount of perspective about MSP deals and what markers make for good ones and the characteristics attached to the bad deals. Recently, M&A activity within the MSP profession has been significant, including record high valuations. As more MSPs are closing deals, the next challenge comes with the integration. Curiously, MSPAlliance has become involved again in M&A, but t
Kaseya now owns Datto . A purchase which cost them $6.2 billion. The big four are technically the big three, although every indication is that Datto will remain intact in many ways. And Kaseya arguably becomes the largest MSP software platform company in existence. That's a lot of responsibility. Fred Voccola, the CEO of Kaseya and the man in charge of leading this MSP platform juggernaut enters the MSP Zone. We talk about a variety of topics related to the Datto acquisition, the future of Kasey
While managed services has enjoyed nearly two consecutive decades of strong growth, there have been peaks and valleys along the way. In this episode we examine the current economic climate facing the managed services profession. Highlights: Demand for managed services MSP health Layoffs Startup investments Private Equity interest in managed services M&A activity MSP Zone Reading Material: Tech Layoffs: US Startups And Tech Companies With Job Cuts In 2022 (crunchbase.com) Managed Services Mar
Despite even the best security measures, none of us are immune from the menace of ransomware attacks. 2021 saw not only an increase in attacks, but more evolved ransomware variants that threaten data exfiltration and target MSPs. If you want to be prepared, then you need to have a good protection and response plan in place. This session will cover important topics to help you prepare and respond quickly to a ransomware attack to minimize down-time and exposure. David Gugick from MSP 360 enters t
If you have a dominant amount of your IT management practice coming from break/fix or reactive IT , then you should listen to this episode. Break/fix vs managed services used to be a business choice amongst IT entrepreneurs. Today, it is less of a choice and more of an imperative. What is the role of the modern day break/fix company? Do these tech firms have a legitimate role to play in combating cyber crime, for example? We will examine the break/fix provider, in detail, and provide some guidan
MSP software visionary Gavin Garbutt of Augmentt drops into the MSP Zone to discuss the opportunity for MSPs to manage hybrid IT environments. Not sure what hybrid IT is? Not to worry. We’ll explain it for you and discuss new revenue opportunities for MSPs. Highlights: Managing Hybrid IT Shadow IT update Maximizing all of your IT staff Changes to the MSP service desk MSPZone Special Guest: Gavin Garbutt
This episode presents a tale of two MSPs. Not actual MSPs, but two types of MSPs as viewed through the lens of two news stories presenting MSPs and how customers view them. We also examine this tale of two MSPs through the lens of cyber insurance and how insurance companies may be getting it completely wrong when it comes to underwriting and assessing risk in the managed services profession. Highlights: MSP cyber insurance mistakes How can insurance companies improve their risk portfolio underwr
MSPs play a unique role in the acquisition of technology and delivery of managed services to customers. Unlike VARs , MSPs do not always resell a technology to customers. For many MSPs, they acquire licenses from a vendor and use that technology to service customers utilizing a managed services agreement. Between vendors who want maximum predictability of revenue and MSPs who want maximum freedom to use those licenses, there is bound to be friction. MSP and Microsoft partner Jean Prejean of Guar
Episode brought to you by Dell Expert Network In this episode, we tackle a provocative question: Is backup dead? The short answer is no. However, if you haven't updated your approach to backup in the last decade, you might be missing significant opportunities to help your clients achieve their full potential in disaster recovery , cyber attack prevention, and other business benefits related to data backup. Join me and Charlie Tomeo as we delve into the history of managed backup, explor
Data is everything. MSPs protect it, customers value it, and cyber criminals want to steal it. But, not all data is the same. Certain data is worthy of more protection and management, and other data has less of a value. In short, data must be managed. But, to manage data effectively, you need to understand it first. Which brings us to data assessments. Amanda Regnerus of Aparavi enters the MSPZone to share her opinions on the value of data assessments, data managed services, and the role MSPs ca
Break/fix companies (or companies that provide reactive IT services) must address the security question: both internal security and the security services they provide to customers. Whether it is the struggle to become a proactive managed service provider or just the pace at which security threats and solutions have been evolving, the issue of security is a real element to becoming an MSP and certainly something every break/fix company needs to address. Michael Crean from Solutions Granted enters
The skills and people gap is impacting everyone, everywhere! Customer organizations already facing staffing shortages have even more difficulties filling IT and cyber related positions. So, how do we solve this problem? Join Chris Hass and me as we discuss a new, modernized, and distributed workforce and its impact on staffing , security, and productivity. These trends also have had a significant impact on the way cyber criminals view their target landscape and it influences the way they devise
What is the customer service experience within the managed services profession? Our profession talks a lot about service delivery with a predominant focus on the technical. And, for good reason. However, it is important we not forget the customer experience. We address that issue in this episode. We examine the role of the traditional PSA /ticketing platforms and whether they are sufficient to deliver excellent customer service. Highlights: What is the role of the PSA? Does the existing PSA solu
Fighting cybercrime may require policies, procedures, technology, and the know-how to put it all together in a cohesive manner, but the individual also has an important role to play which cannot be discounted. Individual people must be aware of the threats facing them, their organization, and cannot be lulled into a false sense of security just because they have an MSP or an internal IT department. Even the best MSPs need the active participation of the individual to combat cybercrime. Inky CEO
WOM Level: Low Lots of economic data coming out in recent weeks about signals of an impending recession. Let's really take a look at how a recession might impact MSPs globally and what you may want to do to prepare you practice (and clients) for such an event. We will also examine the recent CISA guidance for MSPs and offer some analysis on what practicing MSPs need to know about staying safe. Highlights: Are managed services recession proof? CISA guidance for MSPs Does CISA offer "new" guidance
Cloud computing is one of those terms that gets used a lot, often by people who have no real idea as to what it means. This is understandable given how ubiquitous cloud computing has become over the last decade. While cloud computing has brought technology into the mainstream, it also is a term which needs clarification and definition. Cloud computing, hybrid, public, private, are all variations on a theme with very different business, technical, and privacy outcomes depending on which one you c
In this episode, we explore the stark contrast in how the threat of ransomware is perceived by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) versus Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs). MSPs have long been aware of the cyber , business, and IT risks that their customers face. However, customers themselves often have a broader range of experience and understanding when it comes to cyber risks. Why does this discrepancy exist? Join us as we delve into the reasons behind this difference in percept
Access management has been a managed service offering for customers for many years. Today, the issue of internal access management has now become mainstream for MSPs of all sizes. How users gain access to internal MSP systems and networks is just as important as it is for managed services customers. But, being secure about your user onboarding and offboarding does not mean you can't also be efficient in your movements. That's what we discuss on today's episode. Highlights: Who is Devolutions? Wh
In today’s connected and security conscious world, customers are looking to MSPs to provide them with backup and recovery services that will help safeguard their organization against ransomware , user errors, and other evolving threats to their business operations and reputation. These same benefits also hold true for the MSPs themselves. Steve Rodin, CEO of Storagepipe enters the MSPZone and offers his perspectives on a variety of topics. Highlights: New high-margin monthly recurring revenue st
Brian Stoner from Stellar Cyber joins MSPZone to discuss the future of cybersecurity talent within the managed services profession. We discuss the relationship with Boise State , how that connection came to be, and how this could be a template for future cybersecurity talent cultivation all over the world. Highlights: Are we still in a cybersecurity talent drought? Boise State connection The problem with existing cybersecurity talent MSPZone Guest: Brian Stoner, Stellar Cyber
WOM: Low It does not happen a lot where an approach to selling and marketing managed services can actually apply to a large selection of MSP verticals. But, I think we have one for you today. Based on actual conversations with MSPs who are using this approach successfully, and an equal number of MSPs who are not doing it but could benefit from it, I believe this approach will work for the vast number of MSPs throughout the world. I am talking about cyber insurance. Specifically, I’m talking abou
Raffy Marty, SVP of Security Products at ConnectWise, drops by the MSPZone to brief us on their latest MSP Threat Report. As the role of RMM vendors becomes more critical to the ongoing security of the global MSP community, companies such as ConnectWise are increasing their efforts to educate and equip their MSP partners with information and technologies. Highlights: 10-15% increase in ransomware incidents by quarter in 2021 Evolution of the "super-MSP" Ransomware operator tactics 2022 predictio
Now that we have had some time to digest the news about Kaseya buying Datto, it is time to get the MSP on the street perspective. Travis Springer of Sagiss, joins MSPZone and shares his thoughts on the deal, the likely reaction from MSPs and vendors alike, and ultimately whether the deal will be good, bad, or neutral for the managed services profession. Highlights: Analysis of the deal Why did the deal take place? Will vendor consolidation drive or stifle innovation? How do other MSPs feel about
Are we winning or losing the ongoing war against cybercrime? Today's guests have an answer. You may not like the answer, but it does reflect two professional opinions from people who know a lot about the cybersecurity war. More importantly, our guests understand what it takes to win that war and the role MSPs will play in achieving that victory. Join Scott Augenbaum - Supervisory Special Agent FBI retired, and Corey Munson from PC Matic, as they discuss this important topic. Highlights: We need
Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM): Low The big 4 become the big 3. Yesterday, Datto announced that it is going to be purchased by Kaseya. The deal has huge potential for the global MSP marketplace and we will analyze what those outcomes might be in this podcast. What is impressive is to see a company like Kaseya who less than a year ago suffered a significant cyber attack rebound and pull off a deal like this one. There are bound to be questions and speculations about how this acquisition will impact t
Mature (i.e., larger sized) managed service organizations often will have a chief compliance officer (or team) dedicate to maintaining proper internal compliance for the company. These compliance individuals play an important role in the company. For smaller MSP organizations, however, having a compliance officer may not be feasible. Yet, compliance impacts large and small MSPs alike. So, what should a smaller MSP organization do? Highlights: The role of the modern MSP compliance officer Advice
WOM: Low MSPs have been seeing increases in their cyber insurance premiums for several years now. As cyber threats and attacks continue to increase, paying more to get and maintain cyber insurance has been a reality for MSPs across the globe. But, there is hope. One MSP business owner joins MSPZone and talks about his past several years of experience with his insurance broker, his increasing rates, and how he got his MSP cyber insurance premium to actually lower in 2022. Join MSP owner Karl Spri
WOM: Low I had the opportunity to speak to a lot of MSPs at MSPWorld last week and, as usual, learned a lot. While there were a lot of topics on the agenda, there are always standout issues which seem to take on a life and momentum of their own. That’s exactly what happened this time. Here are some of my highlights and takeaways from MSPWorld. Highlights: MSPAlliance Peer Groups Cyber Insurance Update M&A and Growth Update This episode is sponsored by: Aparavi Data Intelligence Sof
MSPs are not alone in the ongoing fight against cybersecurity. On this episode of MSPZone, we speak with Raffael Marty, general manager, cybersecurity, with ConnectWise. Raffael discusses some of the latest announcements from the company concerning Intel, how ConnectWise is helping MSPs face the persistent issue of cyber attacks, and what MSPs need to do in order to remain one step ahead of the cyber underworld. MSPZone Reading Material:
WOM: Medium It has been a longstanding issue at the MSPAlliance that we have standards for the MSP profession. While this may have been a philosophical issue early on, it is no longer merely an academic matter. Today, standards matter. The UK government is now taking matters into their own hands regarding MSP standards and practices. Why does this matter? Because the UK (and many other governments) are now acting without the benefit of any working knowledge about MSPs, and doing so believing the
WOM: Medium The increase of cyber consultants has produced a lot of confusion and not always positive outcomes. But, there is one positive outcome we can point to: general awareness of cybersecurity issues has become more central to our daily discussion as a society. A recent story about misconfiguration of ServiceNow instances is a great example of how cybersecurity and managed services are very close, and yet sometimes quite far apart. MSPZone Reading Material: Sponsored by Lumu Technol
Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM): Medium MSPs have been dealing with scarcity of technical and security talent for many years. The global pandemic and the more recent inflationary pressures have contributed to MSPs paying much higher wages than in previous years. This trend may be coming to an end. I don't want to suggest that we are entering a phase of wage deflation, but, it seems to me that we have peaked when it comes to the excesses in hiring MSP and technical talent. Let me explain. Hi
Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM): Low In the early days of the managed services profession we saw an incredible amount of misinformation about the role of the MSP. In fact, this was one of the chief reasons the MSPAlliance was created, to address and correct that misinformation. Today, history seems to be repeating itself. Just like when outsourcing and offshoring were confused with managed services, we are seeing similar confusion and damaging beliefs being shared by a growing number of people around
Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM) : Low The importance of cyber insurance should be obvious to most people today. The fact that cyber insurance coverage is being denied to an increasing number of organizations should be 1) a wake up call and 2) an opportunity for MSPs to have important conversations with their clients. There are some simple yet effective techniques you can employ right now to generate new sales and marketing opportunities, all related to cyber insurance. Highlights: Lack of information
WOM (Weaver Outrage Meter): Medium Aside from the obvious additional "S", the inclusion of security in MSP is both incorrect and misleading. Looking at the historical evolution of the MSP profession, managed security has been baked into managed IT services from the very early days. What has changed? MSSPs are now the rage and there is an active campaign taking place to disrupt existing managed services philosophy. We will examine the leading causes behind this MSP vs. MSSP battle, and
If you were paying attention during the early and mid 2000s you heard the phrase, “trusted advisor” used quite extensively. Today, some might have you believe that MSPs have lost that trusted advisor status with their clients. I don’t know if this is true, but it does deserve further investigation. Highlights: Trusted Advisor History Impact of Non-MSP “trusted advisors” How do we solve the trusted advisor dilemma?
Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM): Low A really interesting article about a recent study from CrowdStrike. The premise of the article is that while cyber-attacks surged last year, 62% of those attacks did not involve malware. What does this mean? It means that old-fashioned intrusion methods are still very much alive and well today. It also means that we should not rely exclusively on malware intrusion defense technologies. Layered approaches to cybersecurity for MSP and customers alike are what
It's that time of year again…MSPWorld! This episode will focus on all the things that I am excited to see at the upcoming MSPWorld conference. Speakers, sessions, sponsors, and topics I anticipate will be on everyone's mind. Highlights: Overview of sessions Review of this year's sponsors Analysis of MSP topics This episode is sponsored by PCMatic: PCMatic.com/ MSP
MSPs and customers alike are instrumental in the global fight against cyber attacks. Nobody can win by themselves; both groups are crucial to winning this fight. This episode will explore what lessons we have learned in the past 12 months regarding the global cybersecurity war and what methodologies are being successfully employed to reduce the attack surface for cyber threats. Highlights: Stopping threats before they cause damage Understanding the source of the attack; similar to even correlati
Cloud computing is not a new topic for MSPs. In 2009-10 our profession had an extensive debate around public cloud computing and its impact on MSPs and their clients. Today, it is time we have another discussion about cloud: the post pandemic cloud options for MSPs and their clients. Highlights: Current cloud situation Supply chain impact on private and hybrid cloud Flexibility for the MSP, customization With Guest: Shane Zide VP of Global Sales & Channel at Vultr This episode is spon
The stock continues to be volatile, inflation is impacting large sections of our economy, oil prices are rising, and geo-political events are creating uncertainty. And yet, the managed services market remains strong. There are many reasons why investors and customers are continuing to invest in the managed services sector. In today’s episode, we examine the 2022 economic outlook and provide some analysis for MSP owners and managers to help plan for the upcoming year. Highlights: Economic
In this episode , we delve into the increasingly critical role of cyber insurance in modern business operations. For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), cyber insurance is particularly vital, offering protection not only to the MSPs themselves but also to their customers. We begin by discussing the importance of cyber insurance for MSPs. As cyber threats continue to evolve, having robust insurance coverage can help mitigate the financial and operational impacts of a cyber incident. This
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 726 from the 2021 session has passed. Now what? While this bill is not yet law, it is important to understand what is in this law and how it may impact MSPs, particularly those practicing within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Highlights: Bill overview MSP impact Analysis and comparison to other MSP legislation Impact on future legislation This episode is sponsored by Solutions Granted: solutionsgranted.com Email sales@solutionsgranted.com or call 800-619-8481
The role of automation in managed services is not new, however, it has a rough history. MSPs have always recognized the need to scale their operations but have struggled with how to implement automation in a consistent fashion. Besides the obvious benefits automation can bring to the internal operations of the MSP, there are revenue generating opportunities as well. The same automation practices can easily be applied to service offerings to be provided to the customer, managed by the MSP. Highli
The United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania both took steps recently to pass legislation around managed IT service providers (MSP) and cybersecurity. While these actions by themselves are not concerning, underlying assumptions surrounding the role of the MSP in our modern world should be triggering the alarm bells in every MSP operating throughout the world. Highlights: MSPs need to test their internal cyber incident response plans Initiate client cyber response plans Stop taking the
The rise of armchair cybersecurity “experts” has accelerated in recent years. Perhaps the industry most impacted by these armchair cybersecurity experts is managed services. As cyberattacks and threats continue to increase, so do the voices from these “amateur” compliance and security individuals who sometimes place unwarranted and dangerous risk on the MSP they use. Risks such as these must be identified and addressed immediately by the MSP if they hope to avoid assuming that risk internally. H
The time has come for MSP protection legislation. MSPs safeguard many thousands of industries throughout the world and they need our support. More importantly, MSPs need the support of our legislative community. We, at the MSPAlliance, believe that MSP protection legislation will go a long way in fighting the cyber war. Highlights: Distinctions between MSPs and break/fix companies Steps MSPs take today to safeguard their customers Civil and criminal penalties should be applied to attac
Part of the responsibility of being an MSP is to understand what is being said about your profession. The task of observing how "non-industry" people and organizations talk about MSPs is of particular concern, because it can create negative or even false ideas about how we operate. Sometimes, the content comes in a mixed fashion, where it is not all right, but it is also not entirely wrong. This is the case today where we examine an article on the "pros and cons" of using a managed service provi