Managed service provider (MSP) business model
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
-
Feature
28 Feb 2022
MSPs find soft-skill, tech challenges in help desk ticketing
Service provider personnel must work through automation, staffing and software challenges when they deploy help desk ticketing central business management systems. Continue Reading
-
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
-
Opinion
07 Jun 2018
Security questionnaires: How to prepare your SMB clients
SMBs working with regulated clients may need to complete detailed security assessment questionnaires. Managed service providers can help with data security tools and capabilities. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Apr 2018
HCL software push lands Actian in latest venture
HCL software: The recent acquisition of Actian gives the $7.6 billion IT services provider a range of data analytics products it can sell as a global systems integrator. Continue Reading
-
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
-
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
-
News
23 Feb 2018
ConvergeOne goes public, targets cloud skills
Cloud consulting services is one area IT service provider ConvergeOne would like to reinforce as it pursues business as a publicly traded enterprise. Continue Reading
-
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
-
Guide
23 Feb 2018
MSP security essentials for every IT service provider
Getting a cybersecurity practice up and running is no easy task. In this guide, we show how MSPs can build security practices and protect their clients from an array of threats. Continue Reading
-
Feature
21 Feb 2018
SAN storage devices: MSP finds new business in tech upgrade
Evercom, a managed services provider, was able to both upgrade its storage and find a new business opportunity when it purchased new gear from Reduxio Systems. Continue Reading
-
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
-
Blog Post
09 Feb 2018
Digital transformation initiatives engulf businesses, partners
Recent market research reports point to the challenges of digital transformation initiatives, which call for both customers and channel partners to make changes. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Mar 2017
MSPWorld 2017: MSPs can't ignore cybersecurity market
Throughout the MSPWorld 2017 conference, speakers looked to drive home the message that MSPs must focus on security issues and protect customer data. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
27 Jun 2016
Barracuda's Intronis brand launches firewall for MSPs
Managed service providers can now sell a channel-oriented firewall from Intronis MSP Solutions by Barracuda, Barracuda Networks' MSP brand. Continue Reading
-
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
-
Feature
27 Jan 2016
MDF funds: How MSPs can get their cut of the marketing money
Market development funds are there for the asking. Learning the details of individual programs -- and demonstrating sales and technical strength -- can help you get your share Continue Reading
-
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
-
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
-
Tip
14 May 2015
Five pitfalls in the merger and acquisition process
Channel partners working through the merger and acquisition process must deal with cultural, financial and personnel issues before the ink is dry. Continue Reading
-
Feature
18 Feb 2015
The tradeoffs of partnering with managed mobility services providers
The increasingly complicated world of enterprise mobility spells opportunity for channel partners, and partnering with a large managed mobility services provider may be the best way to overcome the high barrier of entry. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Jun 2014
Comstor to offer Presidio managed services
Comstor and Presidio have partnered up to deliver Presidio's cloud-driven managed services to Cisco-based data centers. Continue Reading
-
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
-
News
27 Aug 2013
AVG targets packetTrap MSPs with trade-in offer
Following the decision by Dell to wind down development of the packetTrap products AVG has revealed plans to step into the breach. Continue Reading
-
News
29 Mar 2012
MSPs struggle with BYOD pricing
A lack of standardization in consumer devices has led MSPs to have difficulty around setting up support prices for consumer devices in the workplace. Continue Reading
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Feature
05 Dec 2007
How to develop an effective IT consulting marketing campaign
Learn five key steps to marketing your IT consulting services -- target your audience, develop a message, start mailing, establish yourself as an expert and form partnerships. Continue Reading
-
Feature
12 Oct 2007
IT distribution channel (distributors)
Distributors are wholesalers that act as intermediaries between vendors and value-added resellers (VARs) or system integrators (SIs). Learn more about the role of distributors in the channel -- and how it's changing. Continue Reading
-
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
-
News
09 Aug 2007
To be an MSP, forget 'selling managed services,' and sell yourself
Selling managed services successfully is easier if an aspiring MSP avoids referring to "selling managed services" and comes up with its own brand, experts say. As part of that, companies should take on a trusted advisor role with their clients, selling not just products and services, but IT guidance. Continue Reading
-
Feature
26 Jun 2007
Managed services, your business plan and you
Learn why a business plan is an essential part of any reseller's successful managed services business. Discover how to use a business plan as the impetus for refining your marketing strategy, locating sources of revenue and sizing up the competition. Continue Reading
-
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