Business of Tech
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Pliancy shuns MSP label, grows $30M business
The managed services business model may be an investor favorite at the moment, but Marcus Olson has avoided that term, emphasizing a consultative approach instead. Continue Reading
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Framing cybersecurity as a tax on businesses
MSPs struggling to sell cybersecurity might consider positioning such offerings as a necessary expense akin to taxes -- and acknowledge clients would prefer to invest elsewhere. Continue Reading
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Recruiters look for range of qualities in MSP job candidates
It's hard to hire employees with technical experience and an MSP background, but recruiters who understand what motivates potential employees can find good candidates. Continue Reading
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MSP growth requires additional tech offerings
Managed infrastructure services alone will not drive dramatic growth for MSPs. Providers must create offerings in technology spaces such as RPA and cloud computing. Continue Reading
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OS players move on managed services, bring competition
Major players announced significant developments in the IT services industry with Apple managed IT services, new Microsoft hybrid work solutions and Kaseya's acquisition of Datto. Continue Reading
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Understand online marketplaces, SLOs for providers
Service providers can engage in online marketplaces and use service-level objectives to understand their application's behaviors and its effect on customers. Continue Reading
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Russia-Ukraine war prompts security best practices refresher
The Russia-Ukraine war hasn't led to major cyber attacks affecting MSPs, but IT services providers should review cybersecurity best practices, including hardening and response. Continue Reading
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Subscription models shape future of IT services providers
Forrester researcher Jay McBain discusses how subscription models work, how to look at customer behaviors in a trusted way and where IT services providers should invest. Continue Reading
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Dig into the MSP M&A process from the acquirer's perspective
MSP mergers and acquisitions may frequent the news, but how is the value of an MSP determined, how are deals structured and what happens to the acquired company? Continue Reading
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Channel partners must understand the cybersecurity market
COVID-19 and consolidations have reshaped the cybersecurity market. Channel partners and customers must keep up with the market and best practices, including insurance policies. Continue Reading
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Federal cybersecurity funding creates MSP opportunities
Despite federal funding for cybersecurity, many state, local government and education organizations don't know how to get it. But IT providers can step in and help. Continue Reading
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Diversity, equity and inclusion tips for small companies
HR departments might make diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives easier, but SMBs can still develop diversity in-house and throughout the supply chain with these tips. Continue Reading
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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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Regulation to address enduring MSP cybersecurity problem
Cybersecurity regulations and trends in the managed services market push for more formal MSP accountabilities to deliver and secure clients' technology. Continue Reading
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Reframing cybersecurity in the 'golden era' of ransomware
Ransomware attacks have targeted hospitals, critical infrastructure and government agencies in recent months. But do cyber events provoke the same response as a physical assault? Continue Reading
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MSP resistance to Windows 11 exposes business problem
Microsoft's Windows 11 release received relatively little fanfare in the MSP industry. The lack of enthusiasm points to a problem among IT services firms. Continue Reading
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What modern SMBs can teach managed service providers
As new SMBs lay the groundwork for their IT operations, cloud offerings will factor into many business owners' decisions. Find out what this means for MSPs. Continue Reading
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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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Apple device management considerations for MSPs
RMM software has evolved into a cybersecurity attack vector, creating concerns for MSPs and their customers. Does Apple's configuration-based management approach offer a solution? Continue Reading
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Why Microsoft 365, Windows 365 matter for IT services firms
Office 365, Microsoft 365 and Windows 365 differ not only in their feature sets and capabilities, but in the opportunities they afford service providers. Continue Reading
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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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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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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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How IT services firms can push back on misinformation
IT services firms have increasingly put marketing dollars into digital advertising. But do they know which websites their ads appear on and, consequently, help fund? Continue Reading
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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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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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Return-to-office debate sparks channel partner opportunity
After a year-plus of remote work, organizations have begun to mull their next steps: return to the office, stay remote or go hybrid? Here's how partners can help. Continue Reading
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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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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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What solution providers must know about fintech companies
Solution providers can help fintech companies by offering IT infrastructure expertise. Here are considerations for targeting this vertical market opportunity. Continue Reading
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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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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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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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Nerdio's strategy evolves for cloud desktop, Azure markets
Nerdio CEO Vadim Vladimirskiy discusses the state of the cloud desktop market and his company's strategy for developing an Azure IT automation platform for MSPs. Continue Reading
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MSPs can't ignore the e-commerce trend
E-commerce has made it possible to buy practically anything online, but MSPs have shied away from this sales and marketing strategy. Dave Sobel says it's time to embrace the trend. Continue Reading
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Auvik Networks explores network management's future
As network infrastructure becomes more complex, Auvik Networks aims to equip its MSP partners with tools for better visibility, cloud management and more. Continue Reading
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How cloud management tool sets can help MSPs
To tackle today's cloud management challenges, MSPs need new software tools and strategies. Find out why cloud management tool sets should be on MSPs' radars. Continue Reading
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The pros and cons of MSP private equity deals
Greystone Technology CEO Peter Melby has long believed that private equity creates problems for MSPs. But then he decided to take a private equity deal. Find out why. Continue Reading
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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MSPs need state societies before governments regulate them
Before more states follow Louisiana around regulating MSPs, providers need to band together and create an industry organization to ensure they have a voice in any future laws. Continue Reading
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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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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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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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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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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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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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The only MSP marketing and sales advice you need to hear
To succeed at MSP marketing and sales is actually quite simple, Dave Sobel contends. He explains the best way to handle MSP marketing and sales. Continue Reading
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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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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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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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Data, not opinion, should drive MSP best practices
Dave Sobel breaks down why business leaders must use data instead of personal opinion to guide their business decisions and shares best practices for data-driven decision-making. Continue Reading