MSP business model transformation
Get the information you need to stay on top of the rapidly evolving managed services sector. News, tips and trend pieces cover the challenges of MSP business model transformation.
Top Stories
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Guest Post
31 Jan 2022
2022 predictions include more cloud offerings, more breaches
Service providers must stay abreast of the forces shaping the market. Dave Sobel revisits his 2021 predictions to assess how accurate they were and dives into predictions for 2022. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2022
Accenture, Celonis partner in process mining technology
The strategic relationship aims to speed up process improvement, embedding Celonis' technology in Accenture offerings such as MyConcerto and SynOps; other IT channel news. 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
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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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
24 Mar 2021
New tool helps IT vendors assess their channel readiness
Channel partners, do your tech vendors need a more productive channel strategy? A new tool from CompTIA's Channel Development Advisory Council can help. 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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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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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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Feature
31 Dec 2020
4 considerations for rebranding a company in the MSP sector
Planning to rebrand? Here are some factors to consider, whether you're seeking a new look for a maturing business or a unified image that spans multiple acquisitions. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
03 Dec 2020
How emerging technology fits in your digital transformation
The business response to COVID-19 has accelerated technology adoption, making emerging technologies a more accessible and important part of digital transformation strategies. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
20 Nov 2020
How the U.S. election may affect managed services providers
Dave Sobel breaks down the tech issues MSPs need to be aware of following the federal and state elections, such as right to repair in Massachusetts and California's Prop 22. 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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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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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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Opinion
14 Oct 2020
6 popular managed services pricing models
Popular pricing models for managed service providers include monitoring only, per device, per user, all you can eat, a la carte and the tiered pricing model. 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
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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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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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
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
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
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
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
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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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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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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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
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
16 Oct 2019
Channel firms take on multi-cloud management challenges
As enterprise customers begin to grapple with the complexities of multi-cloud environments, channel partners have found a role in reining in and optimizing cloud spending. 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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Blog Post
10 Jul 2019
Ross Perot helped create the IT services industry
Ross Perot may be known to many people as a former presidential candidate, but he also played a central role in launching the IT services industry. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Apr 2019
MSP business model moves toward three key staples
The developing MSP business model is showing some of the characteristics of an ancient agricultural technique. Find out how service providers are cultivating business. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2019
Reseller business model transformation pivots on cultural change
MNJ Technologies, a once fast-growing VAR, found its sales were stagnating. Here's how it got back on track with its effort to push beyond the reseller business model. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2019
How to revamp your managed services pricing for predictable revenue
Many MSPs still rely heavily on an hourly billing rate and cost-plus pricing. Michael Backers, an MSPAlliance board member, offers advice on moving to managed services pricing. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jan 2019
What makes for a true MSP partner?
Serving as a customer's partner requires more than a marketing label. David Kaszowicz of Aventis Systems discusses how channel companies can become managing partners. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2018
New tool offers Cisco resellers digital transformation help
Cisco Digital Navigator, a digital transformation methodology, aims to help Cisco resellers build digital businesses and facilitate partnering with digital solutions integrators. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Dec 2018
How to thrive in the platform economy
Leading companies need to build dynamic ecosystems and deploy next-generation platforms to gain a competitive edge, says Ramadurai Ramalingam, managing director at Accenture. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jul 2018
Evergreen Services Group: New deal to up MSP revenue to $40M
MSP market M&A: Evergreen Services Group is acquiring SMB service providers that generate most of their business via monthly recurring revenue; more news from the week. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Jun 2018
DattoCon 2018 attendees get a glimpse of the future
At DattoCon 2018, company executive Ian McChord shared his views on emerging trends and opportunities for managed service providers. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2018
From VAR to IT managed service company: NSI's journey
In hindsight, NSI would have done a few things differently during its transition from a reseller to an MSP. NSI president Tom McDonald shares lessons learned from the journey. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Mar 2018
MSP business model transformation: Five tips for navigating change
MSP business model transformation: Channel partners face challenges as they cultivate as-a-service offerings, seek dollars for investment and promote their new offerings. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Feb 2018
Cloud services offerings: Partner investments on the rise
Managed service providers and other channel firms are upping their investment in cloud services but must confront the challenges of cloud profitability and revenue contribution. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Feb 2018
MSP pricing: How to compete without slashing prices
Experts share strategies for battling price erosion in the competitive managed services market. MSPs shouldn't bow to pricing pressures without trying these approaches first. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 May 2016
Key Channel Market Trends: 2016
As midyear approaches, there are several channel market trends-- from DRaaS to compliance -- shaping the partner landscape in 2016. Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2015
MSPWorld 2015 spotlights MSP sales craft
What makes a good MSP salesperson? How should you compensate sales staff? Execs tackled these and other MSP sales-related questions at MSPWorld this week; plus, more channel news. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2015
Managed services business model relies on careful client acquisitions
When it comes to customer acquisitions, MSPs have to be particularly selective. Learn best practices to steer clear of bad clients and wasted time. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2014
Managed services pricing models: Per-device vs. SLA-based approach
A per-device and per-user pricing model is easy for MSPs, but experts caution it carries business risk and leads managed services to commoditization. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Sep 2008
What should be included in a managed services agreement?
A well-written managed services agreement should provide a common understanding of the services to be performed by the managed services provider for the client. Learn why the managed services agreement is often the first step taken by MSPs, the value that an agreement should provide to your customer and how to properly prepare the agreement. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Sep 2008
What are the 3 core deliverables of basic MSP offerings?
Developing an efficient managed services offering is essential to building loyal clientele. Learn about the three core deliverables that comprise a managed services offering. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Sep 2008
How to write an IT service-level agreement
A service-level agreement (SLA) is a document that clearly lays out your responsibilities as a client's managed services provider. Learn how to write an SLA to protect your managed services business by avoiding confusion with customers that can lead to expensive lawsuits. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2008
Managed services contracts
Value-added resellers venturing into managed services need to consider the details of the managed services contract they provide to customers. Learn what goes into a managed services contract in this edition of Channel Explained. Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2007
SaaS market leaves VARs searching for their niche
Value-added resellers should start considering their roles -- and whether to change them -- as Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings gain traction in the marketplace. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Apr 2007
Partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) vendor
Managed service provider (MSP) partnerships are rarely as fruitful as both sides would like. When choosing an MSP vendor, ask these questions to determine if your partnership will be a good one. Continue Reading