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
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
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News
18 Sep 2020
Accenture cloud investment to reach $3 billion
Accenture said the $3 billion investment aims to empower its growing cloud-based agenda, which will be spearheaded by the Accenture Cloud First group; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Sep 2020
Oracle E-Business Suite support deadline sparks upgrades
MSPs help customers transition from Oracle E-Business Suite R12.1, providing upgrade assistance, cloud migration advice and specialized service offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Sep 2020
3 key phishing prevention strategies for MSPs
MSPs need a solid phishing prevention strategy for protecting clients against evolving threats. Learn about the key pieces of anti-phishing arsenals: tools, policies and training. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Sep 2020
How to develop resilient IT operations for the COVID-19 era
To meet pandemic-based business demands, enterprises can take these five steps to transform their existing technology platforms. Wipro exec Murthy Malapaka explains the process. Continue Reading
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News
03 Sep 2020
Demand for Azure consulting helps fuel M&A surge
Companies that specialize in the Microsoft cloud ecosystem are very much in demand as the IT services merger and acquisition market kicks into higher gear. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Aug 2020
Application rationalization strategy opens MSP opportunities
The rapid adoption of new technologies can lead to a slew of problems. Learn why MSPs should help clients develop an application rationalization strategy to cope with these issues. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Aug 2020
Kaseya offers price break on MSP peer group membership
Service providers new to MSP peer groups are getting a price cut from Kaseya, an IT business management platform provider. Kaseya is partnering with TruMethods, an MSP training and software ... Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2020
Managed service pricing pressure mounts during pandemic
The COVID-19 economy brings with it both boons and challenges for MSPs, including pressure to slash prices, according to speakers at Kaseya Connect IT; more news from the week. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2020
Kaseya aims to address MSP cybersecurity challenges
As MSPs look to balance customer security and in-house protection, Kaseya is continuing its investment in the cybersecurity portion of its IT management platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2020
5 PSA software tools to help MSPs streamline business processes
Professional services automation tools offer MSPs and IT consulting firms with a variety of integrated applications they can use to manage projects, billing, assets and inventory. Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2020
Kaseya Connect IT: Vendor buys Graphus to expand MSP suite
The acquisition of Graphus, revealed at Kaseya's Connect IT event, adds email security and anti-phishing technology to the company's management platform for MSPs. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
13 Aug 2020
Creating MSP solution stacks that don't have gaps or overlap
Dave Sobel reviews four methods for how managed service providers can effectively integrate vendor products into their offerings, providing a more complete solution for their customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Aug 2020
4 tips for proper cyber hygiene during the remote workforce era
IT services firms have a responsibility to secure their clients' remote workforces. Here are four tips for maintaining cyber hygiene in the cloud, using AWS as an example. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
06 Aug 2020
Do brands managed service providers use matter to customers?
Dave Sobel argues that the brands MSPs choose to use largely don't matter to their customers; what customers do care about are the results of the managed services. Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2020
Culture of learning can spark channel innovation
Channel partners seeking to drive innovation should become learning organizations that encourage risk-taking and creative thinking, according to speakers at CompTIA's ChannelCon. Continue Reading
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News
04 Aug 2020
ChannelCon 2020 speakers see room for innovation in economy
The COVID-19 economy can harm partners, but also nudge them toward greater creativity. Speakers at CompTIA's channel event cited emerging tech and business consulting openings. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jul 2020
How to transform your existing MSP and be more competitive
We know what a brand-new MSP needs to get off the ground today, but Dave looks at what an existing managed service provider needs to adapt and succeed. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2020
How MSPs and MSSPs should market cybersecurity to find success
It's time for MSPs and MSSPs to reevaluate how they sell their security solutions. Dave Sobel offers his recommendations, such as emphasizing the human aspect of cyber attacks. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jul 2020
5 RMM tools MSPs can use to bolster client IT infrastructure
Learn what remote monitoring and management software features and functionality MSPs and internal IT departments should consider to support client IT infrastructure and endpoints. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jul 2020
A disconnect between MSPs and cloud: The cloud opportunity
MSPs are missing a profitable opportunity by offering cloud services beyond just email to SMBs that are struggling to get cloud offerings elsewhere. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jul 2020
NTT Ltd. exec talks hybrid cloud, remote tech
NTT Ltd.'s recently appointed Americas CEO talks about the $3 billion-plus business's opportunities one year after parent NTT Corp. created the operation in a sweeping merger. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jul 2020
PPP loan recipients include 15,000-plus service providers
Small Business Administration data showed more than 15,000 IT services firms received Paycheck Protection Program loans to handle cash flow and preserve jobs; more news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jul 2020
Regulation is coming to MSPs, who will stand up and lead?
Louisiana was the first state to sign into law any sort of regulation around MSPs and MSSPs, but it won't be the last. Someone from within the industry must step up now. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jul 2020
ConnectWise ups ante in cybersecurity services market
ConnectWise is pushing deeper into the security market by launching an MSP-specific cybersecurity framework. Get insight into the MSP+ Cybersecurity Framework initiative. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jul 2020
Pandemic influences IT staffing trends
The pandemic and economic uncertainty is influencing IT staffing priorities within the tech industry, according to new research; other news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2020
MSPs expand into managed physical security services
Companies such as Deep Sentinel and Viakoo are tapping partners to deliver physical security services. Learn how MSPs are incorporating physical security into their offerings. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2020
MSP business model and financial lessons learned in pandemic
MSPs are facing financial uncertainty due to the pandemic. Industry experts offer advice on managing the pandemic's impact and preparing for hard times. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jun 2020
Datto MSP report points to evolving market
COVID-19 has changed the cloud adoption game for managed service providers, according to Rob Rae, Datto's senior vice president of business development. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2020
How to offer managed IT services for construction firms
Commercial construction firms have a growing need for managed IT services. The CTO of Level5 Management explains how MSPs can break ground in this burgeoning vertical market. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jun 2020
Will break/fix IT services play a role in the future?
Charles Weaver sees diminished use for break/fix IT services by companies because reactive IT not providing better security, privacy or automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2020
New service lets partners research MSP technology stack
MSP Navigator offers managed service providers a product and service catalog, updates on integrations and access to peer groups, among other features. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2020
Partners bank on MSP cloud services
Datto's newest managed services market study highlighted cloud computing as an essential component of MSP portfolios; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jun 2020
What do you need to start a managed service provider today?
If you want to get your own MSP off the ground today, you need to be cloud native, have a Microsoft-based software stack and know the right market to focus on. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jun 2020
Remote workforce management strategies for MSPs
Channel partners have been rethinking employee productivity, collaboration and skills development. Learn how Ensono, SADA Systems and AllCloud have adjusted their approaches. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2020
How capital affects MSPs and technology services companies
Vendors that get acquired promise a lot of things but don't always deliver. Here are several recommendations to help MSPs and technology services companies adjust their strategies accordingly. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2020
MDR service provider CI Security aims to grow channel sales
CI Security revamped its Critical Insight Channel Partner Program in a bid to engage more partner types. The MDR service provider also revealed an alliance with Synnex. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jun 2020
3 ways managed service providers can still succeed in 2020
MSPs that can best adapt to the changes 2020 has brought to the market are poised to survive the year and be in an excellent position to lead the way in 2021. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 May 2020
Ethical business in a world of distrust and big tech
As trust of big tech continues to drop, companies should consider collaborating and investing in their vertical with other organizations rather than just trying to outperform them. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 May 2020
Partners deploy phishing countermeasures as threats evolve
The pandemic and 2020 presidential election are giving criminals plenty of phishing opportunities. Learn about phishing countermeasures that partners can take to protect customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2020
Solution providers need to understand what customers think
With so much uncertainty during the pandemic, solution providers need to spend time learning about the current behavior of their clients' customers to better plan for the future. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2020
Booz Allen, Securonix partner to provide SIEM as a service
The expanded partnership offers 24/7 managed service aimed at reducing the complexity and cost of security information and event management infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 May 2020
Windward Consulting accelerates managed services
Windward Consulting wasn't initially enthused with managed services, but now the company is adding MSP offerings around platforms such as ServiceNow, Splunk, IBM and Moogsoft. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 May 2020
MSP staffing strategies change during a pandemic
The overall economic and employment impact of coronavirus is affecting service provider staffing -- some more than others, if at all. See why and gain tips to help with hiring. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2020
How to evaluate MSP peer groups
Peer groups can help MSPs improve in any number of business areas. Ed Mana, chief technologist at Technology on Demand, offers tips for finding the right peer group for you. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2020
How to prepare client companies for ransomware attacks
Ransomware is a constant aspect of the IT landscape but isn't always seen as a priority. IT service providers can help their clients mitigate the risk. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Apr 2020
Prioritize personality in your IT recruitment strategy
An effective IT recruitment strategy weighs a candidate's qualifications -- and personality. Cheaper Than A Geek's chief nerd explains his approach to hiring and retention. Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2020
Digital transformation projects face mixed fate in pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic and near-nationwide shutdown is causing organizations to reprioritize their IT projects, industry watchers said; more channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Apr 2020
Consulting travel, event cutbacks portend industry shift
IT service firms, from consultancies to MSPs, all face travel restrictions due to COVID-19. The present limitations, however, might have lasting effects on how business gets done. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Apr 2020
Do IT service providers need MSP cybersecurity insurance?
Today's fraught threat landscape puts MSPs and customers at risk. Purchasing liability insurance reassures subscribers while protecting providers in case of a malware incident. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Apr 2020
How managed service operations are adapting to a pandemic
IT service providers are deeply involved in curbing the pandemic's disruptions to U.S. businesses. Learn how companies have uncovered hidden strengths and new service offerings. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2020
Paycheck Protection Program could help MSPs make payroll
A Small Business Administration lending program could help cash-strapped MSPs, but demand for the loans will be high and some details still need to be worked out. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2020
MSP market may thrive in a downward economy
The managed services industry could further expand if the U.S. faces another major economic downturn, according to the CEO of MSP software firm NinjaRMM; more news from the week. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Mar 2020
TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number)
A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), in the United States, is a unique nine-digit number for identifying an individual, business or other entity in tax returns and additional documents filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2020
ConnectWise threat intelligence sharing platform changes hands
CompTIA plans to use its educational resources to enhance ConnectWise's threat intelligence sharing platform for technology solution providers; more IT channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Mar 2020
ServiceNow implementation upgrades reinsurer's finance unit
In 2017, Accenture embarked on an unconventional ServiceNow deployment on behalf of global reinsurer Scor. Learn how the implementation helped modernize Scor's finance department. Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2020
Coronavirus dims tech outlook 2020, spurs free security offers
Forrester has dropped tech growth projections for numerous sectors including consulting. Meanwhile, some security vendors are targeting MSPs with free product licenses. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2020
Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is a component of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) that works with defense contractors to ensure government services and supplies are delivered on time, come at the expected cost and satisfy all performance requirements. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Mar 2020
MSPAlliance: What's next for the managed services industry
In part two of our interview with the CEO of MSPAlliance, we discuss the continued influence of cybersecurity on the managed services industry and the opportunities that lay ahead. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Mar 2020
MSPAlliance on a quest to change the managed services industry
In part one of this two-part interview, MSPAlliance CEO Charles Weaver discusses his organization's evolution and its ongoing efforts to professionalize managed services. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2020
Top tips for providing co-managed IT services
Co-managed IT services give MSPs an opportunity to partner with the internal IT staff of their clients. Get insight into how to successfully implement a CoMITS offering. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Feb 2020
Ended support for Windows Server 2008 leaves clients circumspect
The conclusion of support for Windows Server 2008 has Microsoft partners helping clients decide what to do next. A wholesale transition to Azure is one option under consideration. Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2020
Salesforce consulting services deals go global
Publicis Sapient's buyout of Sapient i7 is the latest acquisition in the increasingly globalized Salesforce consulting services market; more channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Feb 2020
AV as a service emerges as opportunity for MSPs
The as-a-service consumption model is now making its way into the audio-visual market, opening doors for managed service providers and other IT channel partners. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Jan 2020
Pulseway RMM software zeroes in on technician efficiency
Pulseway plans to expand the scope of its RMM software product this year as it vies for more MSP customers. The independent RMM vendor grew its global customer base by about 30% in 2019, reaching ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
24 Jan 2020
MNJ Technologies finds growth at the edge
MNJ Technologies, a managed services provider based in Buffalo Grove, Ill., is expanding its business organically at a time when growth through acquisition makes weekly headlines. The company ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Jan 2020
Sales force automation gets channel boost from SI firms
Mobile sales force automation is getting a lift from systems integrators, which represent an important channel partner conduit for the technology. Find out more about the role of integrators in ... Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Dec 2019
Corporate IT training gets high profile in 2020
The pace of technology change will make training an important service provider theme in 2020, as companies look to boost IT education for employees and clients. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Dec 2019
Top 10 2019 feature stories for channel partner companies
Channel partner readers in 2019 took interest in a wide variety of topics, including emerging tech and business management challenges. Here are our 10 most-read feature stories. Continue Reading
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News
17 Dec 2019
Google Cloud partners key to 2020 enterprise expansion
In this Q&A, Kirsten Kliphouse, president of Google Cloud North America sales, discusses her top priorities and opportunities for channel partners in 2020. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Dec 2019
MSP automation taps PowerShell as multi-tool
As MSP automation becomes increasingly important amid complex customer environments, service providers have turned to PowerShell as a flexible multi-tool. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Nov 2019
Understanding co-managed IT services
MSPs sometimes avoid prospective clients that already have internal IT staff, but by taking the co-managed IT services approach, they don't have to. That's according to Bob Coppedge, owner of ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Nov 2019
MBX Systems reinvents itself in computer hardware manufacturing
Twenty-five-year-old MBX Systems, a computer hardware manufacturer, is an example of how technology companies can continually adapt to the ever-changing marketplace. In 1995, the organization ... Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2019
MSP software vendors play catch-up with security threats
Hackers have exploited MSP software tools such as remote monitoring and management as a conduit for cyberattacks, leading some vendors to issue new security measures and resources. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2019
PowerShell automation helps MSPs, but with some caveats
PowerShell scripting can help MSPs automate mundane and time-consuming chores, but service providers need to test their scripts and look to security first. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2019
Managed security services, professional services to top $35B
Security service providers can expect growth in fields such as incident response and assessment services, but they will need to right-size their offerings. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2019
ConnectWise-Continuum buyout shakes up MSP software market
ConnectWise is purchasing its longtime competitor Continuum in a deal that is guaranteed to reshape the managed service provider software space. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2019
Rackspace security alliance with Armor aims for hybrid cloud
Hybrid cloud security is the focus of a new partnership between managed cloud provider Rackspace and security-as-a-service company Armor; more news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2019
Channel partner account manager role is due for a refresh
As change continues to sweep through the IT industry and channel ecosystem, vendors need to evolve the functions of partner account managers to keep up with the times. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2019
Post-quantum cryptography unlocks opportunity for partners
A DigiCert study highlights a role for channel partner in preparing customers for quantum computing security threats; other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Oct 2019
MSPWorld 2019: Five things I learned at the conference
Here are several observations from MSPAlliance's MSPWorld 2019 conference, which wraps up today in Las Vegas. 1. The industry wants to reframe the MSPs-as-target discussion MSPAlliance leadership ... Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Oct 2019
Media and entertainment cloud use poised to shake up industry
The media and entertainment industry is moving workflows to the cloud in a dramatic cultural shift. InterVision's Ray Panahon sheds light on this development. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2019
MSP cybersecurity concerns may inspire break/fix nix
The heightened publicity surrounding cyberattacks targeting managed IT service providers was a central focus of the MSPAlliance's MSPWorld Conference. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2019
MSPAlliance debuts MSP cybersecurity risk rating system
As customers increasingly question the cybersecurity postures of MSPs, MSPAlliance aims to give firms a way to show they are proactively dealing with threats. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Oct 2019
Nerdio for Azure arrives in Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace
Nerdio's cloud transition continues with its distribution agreement with Ingram Micro, which offers Nerdio's Azure automation product for MSPs on Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Oct 2019
Office 365 managed services call for workflow, vertical skills
Subscription business models, a focus on automating workflow and becoming a thought leader are important for taking advantage of the Microsoft Office 365 opportunity. Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2019
MSP ransomware attack exploits privileged users' credentials
WatchGuard Technologies said recent MSP ransomware attacks revealed that hackers have detailed knowledge of managed service providers' internal operations and technologies. Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2019
NWN debuts solution-as-a-service line to capture top trends
Managed service provider NWN is honing in on five fast-growing markets with the launch of a solutions-as-a-service portfolio, and other channel news from the week. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2019
MSP business expansion driven by cybersecurity, consulting
MSPs are under pressure to expand their businesses beyond their traditional offerings. Cybersecurity and consulting services are two directions they can take their businesses. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2019
Managed services model takes evolutionary twists and turns
The evolution of managed service providers began at the apex of the dot-com era and now continues with developments including cloud computing and industry consolidation. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2019
Managed IT services glossary: Terms of the trade
Managed service providers represent an important subset of the channel partner ecosystem. Browse the terms below to sharpen your understanding of MSPs and their service offerings. Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2019
D&H Distributing grows cloud with ConnectWise, SkyKick
D&H Distributing's cloud strategy aims to help VARs adopt the managed services model and sell bundled cloud offerings around platforms such as Office 365 and Azure. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Sep 2019
How to vet vendors' cybersecurity tools for MSP practices
Building a cybersecurity stack can mean assessing dozens of vendors. An effective vetting process can help partners avoid missteps in their search for security products. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Aug 2019
Rethinking channel partner programs in 2019 and beyond
As IT vendors struggle to modernize their channel partner programs, partner firms of all types should be actively weighing in. That's according to speakers at CompTIA Inc.'s ChannelCon conference, ... Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Aug 2019
Green House Data adds patching automation to its software segue
Green House Data's Beekeeper patch automation product is a component of the managed IT and advisory services company's differentiation-via-software approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Aug 2019
RMM software vendors pursue full managed services functionality
MSP software vendors have been busy building ecosystems of third-party integrations around their remote monitoring and management tools. Are these integrations benefiting MSPs? Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2019
Prisma
Prisma is a cloud security suite that provides four different services that use rule-based security policies and machine learning to protect cloud services. This suite can be used on Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, and Google Cloud Platforms. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Aug 2019
Workplace by Facebook partners evolve as demand grows
The Workplace by Facebook partner ecosystem has expanded to include more channel partners, as well as technology providers covering everything from analytics to security. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Aug 2019
Channel strategy glossary: Terms of the trade
Every tech field has its own terminology and the same holds true for the IT channel. Learn more about channel partner program vocabulary in this glossary. Continue Reading