MSP business strategy
News and features on all aspects of running a service provider business, from executing an MSP business model to automating operations.
Top Stories
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News
27 Sep 2024
Hyperscalers' mass, AI role dominate partner ecosystems
Seemingly saturated, the massive partner networks of the top cloud vendors still attract service providers and often serve as their top ecosystems, according to a new survey. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2024
FinOps consulting grows as IT cost management efforts expand
IT service providers pursue advisory, training and automation opportunities as customers adopt FinOps and apply its cost optimization principles across more IT resources. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
14 Oct 2021
Why MSPs should care about vulnerability disclosure programs
Vulnerability disclosure programs can vary widely from vendor to vendor. Here's everything MSPs should look for in programs when doing security research. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Oct 2021
channel partner rules of engagement (ROE)
Channel partner rules of engagement are a component of the sales relationship between an IT vendor and its channel partner community. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Oct 2021
monthly recurring revenue (MRR)
Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) is income a company can reliably anticipate every 30 days and one of the key metrics for channel partner companies. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Sep 2021
SearchITChannel Top Projects Awards for 2021
We're recognizing channel partners that have supported a client's groundbreaking IT initiative. Nominate your company for the SearchITChannel Top Projects Awards below. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Sep 2021
Cisco routes to market expand amid cloud marketplace growth
Cisco cited a significant shift toward the cloud and a decline in reselling. However, the company said resellers will remain important to its sales approach. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
08 Sep 2021
A two-pronged password security model for channel partners
Password security is too important to ignore. To ensure end users adopt strong practices, partners must address the human and technical side of password management. Here's how. Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2021
2nd Watch blends cloud offerings, pro services amid growth
The professional services and managed cloud company has set its sights on M&A in 2022. The firm also seeks to develop an integrated service experience under new leadership. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Aug 2021
vCIO (virtual CIO)
A vCIO, or virtual CIO, is a contractor or company that serves as an organization's chief information officer. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2021
Channel companies face cybersecurity reckoning
A CompTIA ChannelCon panel discusses the current landscape and what it means for channel partners that must strengthen their own security while protecting their clients. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
09 Aug 2021
MSP industry regulation and how providers can shape it
MSP industry watchers have predicted the establishment of regulations for providers. The National Society of IT Service Providers wants to ensure MSPs can guide public policy. Continue Reading
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News
06 Aug 2021
GFT expands digital transformation services to North America
After successfully expanding into Latin American markets, the German IT services and software engineering company will target the U.S. and Canada; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
04 Aug 2021
Explore a maturity model for inclusive workplace cultures
Dave Sobel speaks with Reframe CEO Jeffrey Bowman about creating inclusive workplaces. Reframe created a maturity model to help organizations measure their transformations. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jul 2021
How cloud consultants execute a product development strategy
Creating intellectual property can help partners meet soaring demand for cloud services, differentiate their offerings and boost their appeal to investors. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
23 Jul 2021
After Kaseya attack, MSPs should rethink RMM practices
The Kaseya ransomware attack in July wasn't the first security event to involve RMM tools, and it probably won't be the last. Dave Sobel asks if it's time that MSPs dump their RMMs. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2021
Cloud, IT security continue to reshape MSP business model
Recent channel research suggests MSPs increasingly prioritize cloud computing and IT security as part of their core business models; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jul 2021
Tech giants foster green software engineering movement
The Green Software Foundation, which includes Accenture and Microsoft as members, will create an ecosystem of people, standards, tools and practices to develop green software. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
14 Jul 2021
Outcome-based contracts: Be careful what you wish for
Outcome-based contracting has gained momentum in the IT services market, but Charles Weaver cautions against its use by managed service providers. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
13 Jul 2021
5 password management tips for MSP customers
Clients often have weak password management practices. In addition, their users may lack proper password security tools. Here's how to help clients protect their organizations. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Jul 2021
Guide to building and executing an MSP business model
This managed service guide provides an overview of how to get started in the MSP business, covering the basics of building a service provider and the challenges in doing so. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2021
Kaseya ransomware attack underlines vendor accountability
The Kaseya VSA breach may prove a major turning point for MSPs' relationships with their IT services software vendors; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jul 2021
Tips for MSPs to bridge the cybersecurity talent gap
Hiring and retaining cybersecurity professionals represent uphill battles. Some MSPs have adopted a combination of internal training and AI tools to offset the dearth in talent. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2021
Why and how MSPs adopt cybersecurity industry standards
Cybersecurity industry standards can help MSPs mitigate internal security risks. Here are the benefits and challenges of adopting security frameworks. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
28 Jun 2021
IT services firms shoulder undue amount of security risk
A steady stream of major security breaches hasn't persuaded businesses to change their ways. IT services firms, meanwhile, continue to assume an inordinate amount of risk. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2021
MSP cybersecurity gaps call for cultural shift
Service providers face issues from broken alerting systems to unsupported operating systems. Those that shore up internal security have an opportunity to offer external services. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2021
4 tips for managing client relationships in a virtual world
With many businesses opting to rely on remote work technologies, channel partners need new strategies for managing client relationships. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2021
Accenture: Channel partner ecosystem taps cloud, innovation
Times have changed for channel partners. Companies today drive most business through cloud providers and seek to co-innovate industry-specific offerings with technology partners. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2021
Deloitte backs Teradata Vantage as integrator
Under the expanded partnership, Deloitte will integrate Teradata Vantage as-a-service platform deployments with cloud-native services; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
27 May 2021
6 best practices for informing MSP clients about cyber risks
With the cybersecurity threat landscape in a constant state of change, MSPs must help clients understand how to protect themselves. Here are six best practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 May 2021
Outcome-based contracting sees uptick during pandemic
Contracts that tie service provider payments to results has gained momentum as customers pursue digital transformation projects. Learn about the implications for service providers. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
25 May 2021
IT industry must open up about mental health
The IT industry is stressful, even without a pandemic. It's time to do more to encourage an open discussion about mental health. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 May 2021
Top MSP marketing tools to generate leads
MSP marketing tools are a must-have for successful lead-gen efforts. Execs at Valiant Technology, SADA and Synoptek round up the products supporting their marketing strategies. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2021
Digital transformation service providers expect growth
In light of rosy IT spending forecasts, forward-thinking IT services firms are making moves to capture a spike in business; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2021
Digital maturity laggards play catchup, consultants say
Companies behind the curve of digital transformation can close the gap on digital business leaders, according to professional services firms. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
05 May 2021
How to craft client-friendly MSP websites
MSPs' company websites are often a missed opportunity to connect with customers. Here are tips on how to market an MSP online using language your clients will understand. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
30 Apr 2021
How MSPs can get started with DEI initiatives
Many small IT firms have yet to launch diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within their organizations. Here's how to get started. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2021
SAP modernization calls for varied skills, phased approach
SAP's partner ecosystem plays a role in legacy-system-to-cloud migration, moving customers away from aging hardware platforms such as mainframes and client-server systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2021
Co-managed IT support sees demand in the remote work era
As businesses weather the pandemic, many organizations' IT departments find themselves pushed to the limits and in need of outside help. Enter co-managed IT support services. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2021
Unified communications managed services evolve amid pandemic
Service-level agreements, management layers, incident tracking and governance are all part of the evolving cloud communications service provider business model. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
15 Apr 2021
IT industry's lack of diversity remains key issue in 2021
The first quarter of 2021 saw almost no changes in the composition of IT leadership teams. Here's how channel partners can change the status quo. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2021
3 basic cybersecurity measures to protect MSP businesses
Numerous MSP-targeted cyberattacks have driven home the need for improved internal security practices. Here's how MSPs can secure their operations. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
12 Apr 2021
How threat modeling technology fits into modern security
Dave Sobel speaks with Nuspire about the objectives of threat modeling. Learn how threat modeling can support modern security approaches such as zero-trust security. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Apr 2021
managed security service provider (MSSP)
A managed security service provider (MSSP) is an IT service provider that sells security services to businesses. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2021
Tech Data-Synnex merger poses IT distribution questions
The merger of IT distributors Tech Data and Synnex presents synergies -- as well as some areas of overlap -- between their respective business models. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2021
Kaseya explores MSP business strategy shifts during pandemic
Kaseya's new research explores the effects of 2020 on MSP business strategy. The study reveals emerging opportunities in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2021
Third-wave cloud consultants take on larger scope of services
Cloud consultancies have grown from boutiques to firms with global ambitions. The latest iteration of these consultancies will push the business in new directions. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
25 Mar 2021
MSPs must rise to regulatory compliance challenges
Data laws and requirements have made regulatory compliance a fact of life for every MSP. Here's why that's a good thing for the industry. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
18 Mar 2021
Yes, managed IT services can be offered via e-commerce
Not all MSPs believe using e-commerce is a good fit for their businesses. Dave Sobel argues the merits of adding an e-commerce option to existing sales and marketing methods. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2021
Channel execs share tech talent recruitment tips
In a rapidly evolving tech market, channel partners vie for IT talent. Use these tips to find job candidates, develop skills internally and retain employees. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
16 Mar 2021
Where IT is headed in 2021: 5 key trends to watch
2021 might not yet feel too different from 2020, but CompTIA's latest report highlights five intriguing trends in the IT industry for which you need to be ready. Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2021
BCG: Future of outsourcing points to fewer service providers
Research on post-pandemic outsourcing trends reveals shifts in organizations' thinking about service providers and digital transformation initiatives; other news. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2021
IT services industry tweaks business models amid pandemic
MSPs and IT consultants have developed new services, emphasized cloud offerings and boosted cybersecurity capabilities to address COVID-19 and its effects on customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2021
Healthcare security services firms tackle ransomware spike
As healthcare organizations face an onslaught of ransomware attacks, channel partners can assist with security initiatives such as zero-trust architectures to prevent breaches. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Feb 2021
AI in managed service software to boost automation
From security to streamlined help desk systems, AI could have profound benefits for MSPs in the future. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2021
IT services M&A, colocation deals continue to flourish
The latest round of IT services transactions feature KSM Consulting, Atos and Cyxtera. The activity underscores the continual demand for cloud services and digital infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2021
MSPs tap Red Hat Ansible for managed services automation
IT services providers have deployed the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform to minimize repetitive work and boost productivity -- even in uncertain times. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2021
ConnectWise buys Service Leadership, benchmarking data
MSP software house ConnectWise has acquired Service Leadership Inc., a consultancy that offers financial and operational benchmarking tools and data. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2021
Tercera looks to invest in cloud professional services firms
The newly launched firm, led by Appirio co-founder Chris Barbin, will take minority stakes in cloud consultancies and offer advice on growing a services business. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2021
Launch a managed services training program in 9 steps
MSPs' internal training resources should be more than a stack of 'how to' documents. Use these best practices to build a successful managed services training program. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
20 Jan 2021
Why 2020 may have changed the MSP industry forever
Managed service providers will come to view 2020 as the year their industry finally received the recognition and legitimacy they have long sought. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
15 Jan 2021
3 steps to blazing a trail to a better partner experience
A strong vendor-channel partnership is essential to sustained business success in IT, and channel partners have the leverage. Here are the essential steps to creating it. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
07 Jan 2021
Early IT channel career advice: Start at an MSP or a help desk?
Trying to figure out your first move post-college education isn't easy. Dave Sobel and other MSP influencers offer opinions on what may be the best way to begin an IT channel career. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Dec 2020
Managed IT services market to grow more competitive in 2021
Kaseya Corp. predicts multiple opportunities for MSPs to expand their businesses next year, but it also points to a backdrop of uncertainty and intensifying competition. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Dec 2020
Top tips for building a Microsoft Azure MSP practice
As MSPs expand into cloud offerings, many are deciding to focus on Microsoft Azure. Lunavi, Synoptek and 1Path explain why and how they grew their Microsoft Azure MSP practices. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
22 Dec 2020
What does data show regarding diversity in IT channel for 2020?
Dave Sobel updates his look at diversity in IT, with a greater focus on solution providers and vendors in the industry, aiming to help highlight companies championing diversity efforts. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2020
Top 10 channel partner business articles of 2020
Channel partner business trends of 2020 included the expansion of cloud computing, the acceleration of emerging technologies and the widespread adoption of remote work products. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Dec 2020
Evaluate tools to help improve cybersecurity for MSPs
Learn what types of cybersecurity tools -- including those for email security, endpoint protection and DNS filtering -- MSPs can use to ensure safety of their clients' systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2020
MSP business planning for 2021: What you should consider
From remote working to new security threats, 2020 introduced a range of new dynamics for MSPs. Here are four important considerations to address in your business planning for 2021. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Dec 2020
WatchGuard highlights critical MSP security services for 2021
MSPs in 2021 will face higher volumes of spear phishing attacks, hazardous gaps in remote work setups and a crucial need for widespread MFA adoption, WatchGuard Technologies says. Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2020
MSP cybersecurity and compliance challenges loom in 2021
With the rocky 2020 nearing its close, MSPs should expect significant shifts in the cybersecurity and compliance landscape ahead, according to NinjaRMM's CISO. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Nov 2020
Security awareness training best practices for MSPs
Human error is the root of many IT security catastrophes. Use these security awareness best practices to craft programs that users will actually learn from. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2020
5 steps to build partnerships with IT distribution companies
Channel partners' relationships with IT distribution companies should be about more than ordering tech parts. Find out how to get the most value out of distributor relationships. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Nov 2020
MSP onboarding checklist: Top tips for developing a process
Establishing and standardizing an onboarding process can help ensure your client relationships begin strong. Experts share tips on how to develop an MSP onboarding checklist. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
16 Nov 2020
The importance of platforms and how MSPs can take advantage
Dave Sobel discusses Google's rebranding of G Suite to Google Workspace and how MSPs should focus on which platform they offer customers, not just operating systems. Continue Reading
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News
10 Nov 2020
MSP software vendor ConnectWise buys Perch, StratoZen
ConnectWise will build out its MSP security offerings by integrating Perch Security and StratoZen technology. The company also revealed plans to streamline product development. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Nov 2020
Top 5 MSP challenges in the 2021 business climate
MSPs and IT consultancies anticipate several challenges in 2021, including developing growth strategies, broadening areas of expertise and cultivating talent. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
06 Nov 2020
How would a K-shaped economic recovery affect MSPs?
Dave Sobel explains how MSPs should be prepared economically and socially for a K-shaped recovery that economists see happening due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2020
MSP acquisitions rise with platforms in demand
Recent merger and acquisition activity highlights a trend of private equity firms increasingly targeting MSP platform companies; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Nov 2020
Predicting 7 MSP trends in technology for 2021
MSPs, cloud consultancies and other channel partners can expect to find business in familiar technology sectors as well as in emerging fields in the coming year. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
30 Oct 2020
The reality of starting an MSP and what to know before launch
People should understand what the reality is around the technology business and what to expect when starting an MSP and how the messaging often ignores how hard it really is. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Oct 2020
Implementing SAP S/4HANA during a pandemic
Dickinson + Associates' Brad Hiquet recounts a remote SAP S/4HANA implementation the company did on behalf of American Industrial Transport amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2020
Accenture, ServiceNow launch business group
The new Accenture ServiceNow Business Group aims to initially deliver industry offerings in financial services, government citizen services and telecommunications; other news. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Oct 2020
When an SAP S/4HANA selective data transition makes sense
An SAP S/4HANA selective data transition might be the best approach for a customer's ECC conversion. Learn how this approach differs from brownfield and greenfield implementations. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2020
MSPs grapple with managed cybersecurity services challenges
At ConnectWise's IT Nation Secure event, speakers addressed the real-world cybersecurity issues facing managed service providers and small business customers. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2020
Gartner IT services forecast pegs 2021 growth at 4.1%
Gartner predicts a 4.1% uptick in IT services spending in 2021. The market research firm pointed to digital business projects as a driver behind the spending. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
20 Oct 2020
Use an outcome-based relationship model to manage IT vendors
Company IT leaders shouldn't need to spend their time micromanaging IT vendors, which is where implementing an outcome-based relationship model comes into play. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
20 Oct 2020
Beware paying ransomware: How MSPs should protect companies
Dave Sobel and Joseph Brunsman discuss how paying ransomware attackers could have businesses run afoul of OFAC and what MSPs and solutions providers can do to help. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2020
Reports: Accelerating digital transformation a top priority
Studies from Forrester Research, Centrify and AppDirect substantiate the trend of enterprises ramping up their digital transformation initiatives; other IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Oct 2020
Tips for executing an SAP S/4HANA brownfield implementation
Executing an ECC-to-S/4HANA brownfield migration involves tools such as SAP's Maintenance Planner and Software Update Manager. Read on for insight into brownfield conversions. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2020
Optimiz taps Moogsoft AIOps platform
Moogsoft's relationship with Optimiz, a partner based in Toronto, expands the company's IT channel relationships in the growing AIOps market. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2020
SolarWinds MSP provides return-to-office best practices
Executives from IT management software firm SolarWinds MSP offered best practices for supporting clients' return-to-office transitions. Get tips on how to facilitate the journey. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2020
How to plan an SAP S/4HANA brownfield migration
SAP S/4HANA brownfield migrations aim to convert existing SAP environments without reimplementation. Find out how to prepare for this type of conversion. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
01 Oct 2020
Why MSPs should care about Microsoft 365 Lighthouse
With Microsoft announcing its new RMM tool, Dave Sobel breaks down how this affects IT channel companies and how they could respond to ensure their business stays ahead of Microsoft. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Oct 2020
3 strategies for SAP ECC to S/4HANA conversion projects
In part one of this five-part series on SAP ECC to S/4HANA conversions, learn about the history of transformation at SAP and three approaches to migrations. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2020
Managed services model enters 'new era'
The MSPWorld 2020 event points to an industry that's finding itself in the spotlight as MSPs see greater attention from customers, investors and government regulators. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2020
MSP business community displays merit in tough economy
At The ASCII Group's MSP Connect Live event, industry practitioners discussed different ways that MSPs and IT vendors have faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
29 Sep 2020
New IT Glue integrations, features on tap for MSPs
At the GlueX conference, IT Glue product managers introduced updates to the Kaseya company's IT documentation, network documentation and collaboration-as-a-service offerings. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
22 Sep 2020
Understanding the MSP regulation debate and what MSPs can do
The MSP industry should consider implementing certification and insurance standards before more states follow in Louisiana's stead and begin to pass MSP regulation laws. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Sep 2020
How MSP cloud services can help grow your business
Channel firms needn't hesitate to develop cloud offerings. The CTO of Level5 Management discusses how MSP cloud services can benefit businesses and strengthen client relationships. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
18 Sep 2020
CompTIA's lobbying efforts and how MSPs could self-regulate
CompTIA's Todd Thibodeaux talks with Dave Sobel about the current lobbying efforts by the MSP industry and how it could start self-regulating before more states follow Louisiana's lead. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
18 Sep 2020
Diversity in IT channel for 2020: It's time we take action
Dave Sobel looks to move beyond just discussing becoming more diverse in the workplace, with IT channel companies championing change and hiring more diverse leaders. Continue Reading