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.
In the competitive landscape of managed service providers (MSPs), having a clear and compelling message is not just beneficial—it's essential. Charles, an industry expert, shares his insights on why a well-defined message can make or break your sales strategy and how it can be the key to unlocking growth and success. The Importance of a Core Message "You can't sell what you can't describe," Charles asserts. This simple yet profound statement underscores the necessity of a strong messaging framew
Introduction In the dynamic world of managed services, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become increasingly prevalent. Whether you are a seasoned executive or a newcomer to the industry, understanding the intricacies of M&A can significantly impact your business’s future. In this blog post, we will explore key insights from a recent podcast discussion featuring Charles and Adam Borst, highlighting trends, strategies, and actionable advice for MSP owners considering a transaction. Unde
Navigating the Complexity of MSPs In the ever-evolving landscape of managed service providers (MSPs), complexity can often be a barrier to profitability . As the industry continues to grow, the need for innovation and streamlined operations becomes increasingly critical. In this post, we delve into the insights shared by industry experts on how reducing complexity can unlock new levels of efficiency and profitability for MSPs. The Challenge of Complexity MSPs are tasked with managing a myriad of
Is the traditional Managed Service Provider (MSP) business model becoming obsolete? Charles and Dan Candee, CEO of Cork, delve into this critical topic, exploring how MSPs can adapt to remain relevant and effective. Introduction The MSP model, once defined by proactive IT management, faces new challenges in a world where technology and business needs are evolving at breakneck speed. As Dan Candee points out, the focus must shift from purely IT services to a broader business resilience approach.
Introduction Cybersecurity is more crucial than ever and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) play a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring robust security measures. Join Chris Viau and Charles from MSP Alliance as they embark on a year-long journey to enhance MSP security through comprehensive training and compliance strategies. This episode offers practical insights and actionable steps to fortify your MSP against emerging threats. Bridging the Gap Chris Viau emphasizes th
Introduction Managed Service Providers (MSPs) face unique challenges and opportunities. As the industry continues to grow, many entrepreneurs and existing businesses are asking, "Is it too late to start an MSP?" This question is not only relevant but crucial for those looking to enter or expand within this dynamic field. The Evolution of MSPs The journey of MSPs began in the mid-1990s, driven by a need to move away from failing legacy business models. This shift was fueled by changing customer d
Introduction More than 20 years have passed since the Enron scandal, and industries worldwide have been on high alert, striving to avoid similar pitfalls. Today, the cybersecurity sector faces its own potential "Enron moment." This blog explores the parallels and the proactive measures needed to safeguard against such crises. The Enron Analogy Charles draws a compelling comparison between the Enron scandal and current cybersecurity challenges. He explains, "Enron's downfall was a wake-up call fo
Introduction Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Neil Holme, CEO and founder of Impact Business Technology, to dive into the ethical considerations and challenges surrounding MSP agreements . Neil's insights shed light on the balance between business needs and maintaining strong customer relationships. The Importance of Ethical Contracts Neil emphasized the significance of transparent communication in MSP contracts . "A termination clause should benefit both sides," he noted, highli
Introduction Understanding the intricacies of cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. Dor Eisner, CEO and co-founder of Guardz, shares his insights on how businesses can navigate this complex landscape and protect their digital assets. The New Perimeter: Identity Access Management " Identity is the new attack vector," says Eisner, highlighting the shift from traditional network security to identity access management. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud services, the focus has moved from se
Introduction Managed Service Providers (MSPs) must stay ahead of industry trends and challenges - it is part of their professional responsibility. Recently, key insights and feedback were gathered from the MSP Alliance Inspire peer group meeting and the MSP Summit Conference, shedding light on pivotal industry developments. The State of MSPs A pressing issue has emerged: "The time has come that we can't just allow anybody to call themselves an MSP or MSSP." With 80% of MSPs operating at low prof
Introduction In the competitive world of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), the pressure to lower prices can be intense. This blog explores the age-old dilemma of maintaining value without succumbing to a race to the bottom. Understanding the Challenge Prospects are often tempted by cheaper alternatives, making it crucial for MSPs to establish credibility and educate customers about the true value of quality services. Strategies for Success Establish Your Value - Highlight your credentials and th
Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of managed services, profitability stands as a cornerstone for success. Imagine a bustling marketplace where every vendor is vying for attention, yet only those with a sustainable profit model thrive. This is the reality for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) today. The Role of Profitability Profitability is not just a financial metric; it's a marker of health and sustainability. Healthy profit margins ensur
Introduction In a landmark move, Texas has enacted Bill 2610, a law that promises to revolutionize cybersecurity for small organizations. This legislation, effective September 1, 2025, establishes a legal safe harbor for businesses that implement compliant cybersecurity programs. But what does this mean for small businesses, and how will it impact their cybersecurity posture? Understanding Texas Bill 2610 Texas Bill 2610 is designed to protect organizations with fewer than 250 employees. By adhe
MSP Market Size in 2025: What the Numbers Really Mean People ask me all the time how big the managed services market actually is. It’s a fair question. Everyone throws around numbers, but when you dig into the data, the story gets more interesting—and a lot smaller than most people expect. The Big Picture In 2024 , global IT services spending was roughly $1.5 trillion . That includes everything from project work and cloud services to outsourcing and managed operations. Out of that tota
Introduction In the fast-paced world of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), the risk of litigation is a constant concern. A simple oversight—like a missed security update or unclear service terms—can quickly escalate into a costly legal battle. This guide explores how MSPs can avoid such pitfalls by adhering to best practices, securing solid contracts, and maintaining comprehensive insurance coverage. Understanding the Risks Two common scenarios often lead to litigation for MSPs: Data Breaches : W
Introduction In the ever-evolving world of IT services, a new player is making waves: the cyber VAR. These value-added resellers are not just reshaping the landscape but are also challenging traditional managed service providers (MSPs) to rethink their strategies. Join us as we explore this fascinating shift and what it means for the future of IT. Understanding Cyber VARs Charles Weaver introduces the concept of cyber VARs, explaining, "The cyber VARs are coming. Never heard of a cyber VAR befor
In the world of Managed Service Providers ( MSPs ), the pursuit of excellence is not just a goal but a crucial journey that defines success. Every small step taken towards improvement contributes significantly to the overall enhancement of services, leading to happier customers and better business outcomes. Every Small Step Counts For MSPs, the path to excellence is paved with incremental improvements. Each small step, whether it’s refining a process, enhancing a service, or adopting a new techn
Today, we're exploring the dual importance of benchmarking and peer groups for MSPs. These two elements serve different but equally vital purposes in the journey of any MSP, whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned player in the industry. The Role of Peer Groups Peer groups are invaluable at every stage of an MSP's journey. They provide a platform for sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions with others who are in similar situations. Whether you're a small MSP looking to scale or
In this episode, we delve into the critical importance of compliance in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) world, especially during mergers and acquisitions (M&A). We explore why proof of compliance is essential and how, without concrete evidence, any claims of compliance are rendered invalid. Listeners will gain insights into the necessity of a clear understanding of compliance fundamentals in M&A processes. We discuss the role of auditors who require solid evidence to validate complian
In this podcast episode, Charles Weaver explores the changing landscape for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). He focuses on succession planning and exit strategies. The discussion covers crucial topics for MSP owners, such as the various options for exiting the business and the types of buyers in the market. Charles Weaver emphasizes the importance of understanding buyer motivations. He advises MSP owners to consider partner dynamics and internal succession strategies carefully. He also explains
In this episode, we explore the critical issues surrounding remote access tools and their vulnerabilities, emphasizing the importance of trust between Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and their vendors. Our discussion covers: Best Practices for Securing Remote Access : Learn effective strategies to safeguard remote access tools and protect sensitive data. Continuous Training for MSP Teams : Discover why ongoing education is vital for MSP teams to stay ahead of cybersecurity threats. Managing Acc
IIn this episode, we explore the concept of shared responsibility in managed services, known as managed controls. As MSPs take on more security and compliance functions, it's crucial to clearly define responsibility boundaries for operational, legal, regulatory, and reputational protection. We break down the shared responsibility model, real-world applications, and how MSPs can use it to build trust, reduce risk, and drive growth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of managed controls in e
In this episode, we delve into the journey of certification in IT services , highlighting the critical role it plays in becoming a trusted advisor to clients. We explore the various challenges faced during the certification process , from understanding complex requirements to implementing best practices. Our discussion emphasizes the value of expertise in building and maintaining strong client relationships. By sharing real-world experiences and insights, we illustrate how certification not only
In this episode of the MSP Zone, Jeff Nulsen of N-able dives into the latest findings from the N-able MSP Horizon's report for 2025. The discussion provides valuable insights into the current MSP optimism and sentiment within the MSP market, highlighting key strategies for growth in the coming year. Jeff shares his expertise on how MSPs can navigate and thrive despite the complexities of international market conditions. Tune in to learn about emerging opportunities and practical advice for MSPs
In this podcast episode, Peter Kujawa of Service Leadership delves into the resilience of businesses during economic downturns. The conversation centers on how recessions impact revenue streams, emphasizing the critical role of managed services in sustaining cash flow. Kujawa discusses the significant decline in project revenue observed during past recessions and underscores the importance of strategic planning and adaptability for businesses to navigate these challenging periods successfully. T
In this engaging conversation, Charles and Mike Deskin discuss the evolution of Dresner Group , a Maryland-based managed service provider, from its inception in 2002 to its current focus on cybersecurity and security monitoring. They explore the challenges and transitions within the IT landscape, including the shift from break-fix models to managed services, and the impact of new tax proposals on the MSP community. The discussion highlights the importance of adapting to client needs and the orga
In this MSP Zone conversation, Ramsey Sahyoun, co-founder and M&A partner at Evergreen , discusses the unique positioning of Evergreen as a holding company for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). He explains the company's vision to be a long-term home for businesses and their leaders, emphasizing the importance of preserving brand identity and team structure post-acquisition. The discussion covers the challenges of attracting MSPs, the decentralized strategy versus traditional roll-ups, and th
Glenn Mathis, president and COO of Integris , a national MSP, enters the MSP Zone to discuss a variety of topics. In this episode, Charles Weaver and Glenn Mathis discuss the evolving landscape of managed service providers (MSPs) in the context of cybersecurity, vertical specialization, and the impact of AI and automation. They explore how Integris positions itself as a premium IT managed service provider focused on regulatory compliance and vertical markets. The discussion also covers the impor
Local Impact of Cybersecurity Issues In this episode, John Burgess of Mainstream Technologies dives into the significant impact cybersecurity issues have on local services and, consequently, on the daily lives of citizens. Here are the key takeaways: Broad Impact on Daily Lives : Cybersecurity incidents affect a wide range of citizens, disrupting their everyday activities. Negative Impact on Local Services : Essential local services, such as registering deeds or obtaining marriage lice
3 Legs of the MSP Risk Mitigation Stool MSPs who wish to significantly lower the likelihood of being sued and significantly increase the likelihood of surviving litigation need to implement the 3 legs of the MSP risk mitigation stool: legal agreements, certification, and insurance. Outlandish Claims and Their Impact on Premiums While you increase your odds of winning a lawsuit, it does not prevent someone making an outlandish claim against your MSP practice. Outlandish claims can have
Service Providers (MSPs) often face significant challenges when it comes to explaining compliance requirements to their clients. The use of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tools has increased in an effort to address these challenges. However, what if these GRC tools actually increases risk and complexity? That is the topic we must address and resolve. Understanding Industry-Specific Compliance Needs Different industries have distinct compliance requirements. For instance: -Healt
The conversation focuses on the urgent need for modernizing outdated systems to enhance cybersecurity. Charles Weaver emphasizes the significant role Managed Service Providers (MSPs) will play in this multi-year project, starting this year, to ensure systems are updated and protected against cyber threats. Takeaways There are many systems that need modernization. Modernization leads to cyber immunity benefits. The project will take multiple years to complete. MSPs will be critical in ad
As we step into 2025, the Managed Service Provider (MSP) sector is brimming with optimism. The demand for MSP services is expected to remain strong, reflecting a positive outlook for the industry. This sentiment is bolstered by the fact that most MSPs reported a successful year in 2023, despite the typical uncertainties that election years bring to businesses. Election cycles often introduce a degree of unpredictability, but the conclusion of the recent election is a welcome relief for