Podcasts by The MSP Zone

There is No Recession in Managed Services Ep 270 from 2023-12-11T20:18:09

There is no recession in managed services

You may be watching t...

Analysis of a Cyber Attack - Ep 269 from 2023-11-13T14:10:25

In this riveting podcast episode, join us as we delve deep into the intricate landscape of recent high-profile cyber-attacks that ha...

Managed Services Opportunities around CMMC Ep 268 from 2023-10-24T14:24:52

How are MSPs dealing with CMMC? John Burgess, from Mainstream Technologies drops into the MSP Zone to discuss how MSPs should deal with the changes coming from CMMC, but how they can stay ahead ...

Poor MSP Growth May Not be Due to Lack of Sales Ep 267 from 2023-10-16T14:46:02

Poor MSP Growth May Not be Due to Lack of Sales

Many times, I hear MSPs complain about their stagnant or lack of growth. Now, regardless of whether you have a sales team and process or if...

MSP Zone Spotlight on Halo PSO - Ep 266 from 2023-10-11T20:52:08

About a year ago I started to hear MSPs talk about a new company, Halo PSA. It turns out, this company is not new, but they are doing some rather innovative things in the MSP ticketing space and...

MSP Zone Spotlight - Travis Springer Ep 265 from 2023-10-02T14:09:33

In this MSP Zone spotlight Travis Spring, vice president of Sagiss, joins us to share his thoughts on the MSP market. We discuss a w...

Control Frameworks: Which is right for you? Ep 264 from 2023-09-20T14:00:54

Modern lead generation is a racket

I receive a lot of "lead gen...

Is MSP Growth Exaggerated? Ep 263 from 2023-09-13T00:22:25

MSP Growth Exaggerated?

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MSPs Cautiously Optimistic about AI - Ep 262 from 2023-08-30T09:11:01

Out of the Box MSSPs

This story came to us from one of our friends, Brent Wat...

SEC Adopts Cyber Disclosure Rule - Ep 261 from 2023-08-22T12:57:22

SEC Adopts Cyber Disclosure Rule

The securities and exchange commission recen...

Is it better to be cyber secure or cyber resilient? from 2023-08-08T19:28:50

Is it better to be cyber secure or cyber resilient?

If you think this is a tr...

Ep 259 - MSP Innovation: Why it matters from 2023-07-31T14:37:45

I often hear MSPs talk about innovation: but what does that mean? To get one answer, I invited an MSP CEO to join me in a conversation about the innovation that goes into being an MSP, and the i...

Ep 258 - The MSP Generation Divide from 2023-07-18T13:52:34

The MSP Generation Divide

Time changes everything. That certainly seems like an appropriate saying when examining the managed services profession. MSPs seem to be getting younger and youn...

Ep 257: What do PE Firms Want from MSPs? from 2023-07-11T09:17:07

What do PE Firms Want from MSPs?

For the last several years MSPs have been co...

Accounting Firms and MSPs, Master Cyber Providers, and MSP Pricing Reality Check from 2023-06-27T11:00:01

Are Accounting Firms Squeezing MSPs?

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Ep 255: Internal IT vs MSP; MSP Market is still growing; Does size matter in managed services? from 2023-06-20T13:55:20

Internal IT vs MSP

Can an MSP do everything an internal IT department can? Th...

Ep 254 N-able CEO Advises MSPs on Upcoming Challenges; MDS vs MSP; Tightening Credit Markets Create Choices for MSP Channel from 2023-06-09T14:56:57

N-able CEO Advises MSPs on Upcoming Challenges

N-able held its partner conference in Prague recently and their CEO had some very interesting comments regarding the economy, compliance, se...

Ep 253: Can MSPs Guarantee Compliance; Converting Reactive Clients to Proactive; Should MSPs Get Involved with Customer Policies from 2023-05-22T10:42:54

Can MSPs "Guarantee" Compliance?

It's no secret that many MSPs are helping cl...

Ep 252: Don’t Rely (too much) on Cyber Insurance; MSP Economics Update for Q2; Should MSPs Represent Themselves During M&A Deals? from 2023-05-15T08:49:52

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AI Ethics in Managed Services, Compliance Reporting, and Making Peace with Cyber Consultants from 2023-05-06T10:37:44

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Cyber Consultants at it again; managing remote MSP workers; compliance isn’t security from 2023-04-24T21:17:46

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Ep 249 Q1 MSP report card; Cyber consultants continued; AI vs Automation from 2023-04-18T10:09:19

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We have officially wrapped up Q1 2023 and its time to evaluate how the managed services profession did  and what the outlook is like.

• Q1 analysis Listen

Ep 248 - North Dakota mandates cyber education; MSP recession planning; CaaS dangers MSPs should avoid from 2023-04-03T21:22:07

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Continuous Compliance, Tech industry isn’t ruining the economy, and Perils of Mislabeling your Services from 2023-03-27T10:58:30

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SVB, Compliance Advice for MSP Startups, is it time to lower your pricing? from 2023-03-23T10:12:46

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Cyber Tax, Cyber Verify, and a new book on managed services from 2023-03-10T16:53:54

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2023 Managed Services State of the Union from 2023-02-13T17:21:57

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3 Benefits of Managed Services During a Recession from 2023-02-01T05:38:15

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How to Achieve Continuous MSP Compliance from 2023-01-23T21:29:33

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Many MSPs think of compliance as a "once a year" activity. Much like doing your taxes, compliance is a doing it once and then forget it event that gets revisite...

Should MSPs Be More Like Cloud Providers from 2023-01-17T10:46:37

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The New MSP Roll Up from 2023-01-10T12:25:14

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Cyber is Uninsurable from 2023-01-05T12:00:09

If cyber is uninsurable, then MSPs just got a lot more valuable. Here's the conundrum. If MSPs represent aggregate risk to insurers yet are...

Managed Services Lessons Learned in 2022 from 2023-01-03T10:04:08

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MSP Cyber Talent Update from 2022-12-15T16:19:46

It has been a while since we discussed the topic of MSP talent shortages, specific to security (i.e., cybersecurity). A lot has happened si...

MSP Regulation in 2023 from 2022-12-12T15:00:59

Here is some friendly advice for policy makers and legislators moving on the issue of MSP regulation (of any kind) next year, 2023. Since 2...

One Benefit of Being a Small MSP from 2022-12-01T10:42:26

With all the pressure and hype around growth-oriented MSP platforms these days, I thought it might be helpful to talk about one characteris...

Managing Managed Services Sales from 2022-11-28T13:40:10

For many MSP owners and operators sales is a foreign concept. Sales is acknowledged as a necessary business component for all MSPs, but ver...

MSPAlliance Inspire Lessons Learned from 2022-11-17T09:20:38

Last week was the MSPAlliance Inspire "peer" group meeting in Las Vegas. I say "peer group" in quotes because this group sees themselves as...

Cyber Risk Blame Game from 2022-11-15T14:24:12

I recently spoke with an insurance executive and we had a very interesting conversation about risk and perceptions of risk related to cyber...

Ransomware in the Manufacturing Sector from 2022-11-07T11:14:05

Ransomware impacts many industries throughout the world, but today we focus on the manufacturing sector. Is the manufacturing industry faci...

Growth at the Expense of Compliance from 2022-11-04T09:54:41

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Questions to ask your MSP from 2022-11-01T13:45:37

There are many organizations looking to get a better handle on their IT management, including their security. For the majority of these org...

How MSPs Respond to Bad Economic Times from 2022-10-28T10:03:09

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Sponsored by: Dell Expert Network

As the economy continues to behave erratically, there are disturbing re...

How to Perform an Internal MSP Risk Assessment from 2022-10-20T17:05:14

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US States Need MSPs from 2022-10-18T12:25:51

Our friend Corey Munson from PC Matic brought this study to our attention and it's a great piece that every MSP ought to read. The study, p...

Preparing for Disaster - The Role of the MSP from 2022-10-13T10:15:31

Managed Service Providers (MSP) have been at the center of a global discussion around security.  There is nothing wrong with this discussion. In fact, it is a good thing that we have a conversat...

Stop Up-Selling Managed Security from 2022-10-11T11:18:04

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Stop Diluting the Definition of Managed Services from 2022-10-06T13:05:12

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Is Co-Managed Services New? from 2022-10-03T10:54:57

Co-managed services is not new. In fact, it has been around since the beginning of the managed services profession. If you want to be completely honest, managed services began as a "co-managed" ...

Cybersecurity Burnout from 2022-09-27T16:18:53

For the past several years, we have heard nothing but the perils of cybersecurity attacks, and the mounting difficulty i...

The Trusted Advisor is Under Attack from 2022-09-21T11:29:32

If you have ever considered or called yourself a "trusted advisor" then you may want to pay attention to this. The trusted advisor designat...

MSPs Can’t Repeat What They Don’t Document from 2022-09-15T11:58:50

Documentation is not a new topic amongst the MSP community, but it is something that most MSPs could be doing better. Today's discussion fo...

Is your MSP Practice Ready for an Acquisition? from 2022-09-12T10:14:58

Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM): Low

Are you looking for MSP acquisitions? Do yo...

The MSP Channel Explained from 2022-09-06T09:21:20

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What is a Managed Service Provider? from 2022-08-31T11:48:44

What is a managed service provider? It's a question I have been getting asked for decades. In fairness, it is an important question, as wel...

MSP Best Practices Series #3: The Service Catalog from 2022-08-22T16:13:27

Now that you have your business plan and the right tools, it is time to create your service catalog. Some of you may be wondering what the ...

When Cybersecurity Consultants Attack MSP Customers from 2022-08-16T11:37:04

When cybersecurity consultants attack. Just kidding. Well, sort of. Today, we address the issue of cybersecurity consultants and the impact (not always good) on managed services customers. These...

An Interview with MSP Channel Veteran, Stephan Tallent from 2022-08-11T14:12:03

MSP channel veteran Stephan Tallent, Stellar Cyber, drops into the MSP Zone to discuss a wide range of topics. We cover trends in hiring se...

Saving Money with Managed Services from 2022-08-09T10:13:14

Is saving money a legitimate objective when engaging an MSP? Justin Current of Sirvis enters the MSP Zone to discuss the age old question, ...

A Discussion Around Remote Work Productivity from 2022-08-04T09:40:33

While we may accept that remote work is here to stay (at least in some capacity), we must have a discussion around how remote workers should be working. Most of the discussion to date has been a...

The MSP Path Through a Recession from 2022-08-01T21:54:16

According to the US gross domestic product (GDP) numbers we are in a recess...

M&A Integration Advice for MSPs from 2022-07-27T12:55:43

Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM): Low

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An Interview with Fred Voccola, CEO of Kaseya from 2022-07-19T13:19:53

Kaseya now owns Datto. A purchase which cost them $6.2 billion. The big four are technically the big three, although every indication is that Datto will remain intact in many ways. And Kaseya ar...

Are MSPs Facing a Recession from 2022-07-13T11:57:52

While managed services has enjoyed nearly two consecutive decades of strong growth, there have been peaks and valleys along the way. In thi...

Preparing for a Ransomware Attack from 2022-07-07T10:00:25

Despite even the best security measures, none of us are immune from the menace of ransomware attacks. 2021 saw not only an increase in attacks, but more evolved ransomware variants that threaten...

The Role of Reactive IT from 2022-07-06T09:30:20

If you have a dominant amount of your IT management practice coming from break/fix or reactive IT, then you should listen to this episode.

Break/fix vs managed services used to be a busin...

Managing Hybrid IT from 2022-06-29T11:24:12

MSP software visionary Gavin Garbutt of Augmentt drops into the MSPZone to discuss the opportunity for MSPs to manage hybrid IT environments. Not sure what hybrid I...

A Tale of Two MSPs from 2022-06-23T16:42:42

This episode presents a tale of two MSPs. Not actual MSPs, but two types of MSPs as viewed through the lens of two news stories presenting MSPs and how customers view them.

We also examin...

MSP License Portability from 2022-06-21T09:57:49

WOM: Low

MSPs play a unique role in the acquisition of technology and delivery of managed services to customers. Unlike VARs, MSPs do not always resell a technology to customers. For many...

Is Backup Dead from 2022-06-15T21:12:58

Episode brought to you by Dell Expert Network

Is backup dead? Short answer is no. But, if you haven't' changed your approach to backup in the last 10 years, you are likely missing a lot o...

The Value of Data Assessments from 2022-06-09T10:22:51

Data is everything. MSPs protect it, customers value it, and cyber criminals want to steal it. But, not all data is the same. Certain data is worthy of more protection and management, and other ...

Why do Break/Fix Companies struggle with effective Cyber Security from 2022-06-06T11:25:50

Break/fix companies (or companies that provide reactive IT services) must address the security question: both internal security and the security services they provide to customers. Whether it is...

The Skills Gap and Managed Services from 2022-06-03T09:07:19

The skills and people gap is impacting everyone, everywhere! Customer organizations already facing staffing shortages have even more difficulties filling IT and cyber related positions. So, how ...

The Customer Experience in Managed Services from 2022-05-31T09:23:23

What is the customer experience within the managed services profession? Our profession talks a lot about service delivery with a predominant focus on the technical. And, for good reason.

...

The Role of the Individual in Fighting Cybercrime from 2022-05-26T10:35:21

Fighting cybercrime may require policies, procedures, technology, and the know-how to put it all together in a cohesive manner, but the individual also has an important role to play which cannot...

CISA Guidance and Recession Impact on MSPs from 2022-05-24T09:43:53

WOM Level: Low

Lots of economic data coming out in recent weeks about signals of an impending recession. Let's really take a look at how a recession might impact MSPs globally and what yo...

Defining Hybrid Cloud in Managed Services from 2022-05-19T09:41:21

Cloud computing is one of those terms that gets used a lot, often by people who have no real idea as to what it means. This is understandable given how ubiquitous cloud computing has become over...

Ransomware -the MSP and SMB Perspective from 2022-05-17T02:59:43

There’s a stark contrast to how the threat of Ransomware is perceived by MSPs vs SMBs. MSPs have long understood cyber, business, and IT risks that face their customers. Customers, on the other ...

Can you be secure and efficient as an MSP? from 2022-05-12T11:47:52

Access management has been a managed service offering for customers for many years. Today, the issue of internal access management has now become mainstream for MSPs of all sizes. How users gain...

The Role of Backup in the Modern Day MSP from 2022-05-09T17:58:54

In today’s connected and security conscious world, customers are looking to MSPs to provide them with backup and recovery services that will help safeguard their organization against ransomware,...

The Future of Cybersecurity Talent from 2022-05-05T09:56:07

Brian Stoner from Stellar Cyber joins MSPZone to discuss the future of cybersecurity talent within the managed services profession. We discuss the relationship with Boise State, how that connect...

A Sales Strategy for All MSPs from 2022-05-03T09:42:50

WOM: Low

It does not happen a lot where an approach to selling and marketing managed services can actually apply to a large selection of MSP verticals. But, I think we have one for you t...

2022 ConnectWise MSP Threat Report from 2022-04-28T09:09:20

Raffy Marty, the ConnectWise general manager, cybersecurity, drops by the MSPZone to brief us on their latest MSP Threat Report. As the role of RMM vendors becomes more critical to the ongoing s...

MSP Best Practices Series: Picking the Right Tools from 2022-04-26T11:10:04

In part 2 of our MSP best practices series, we look at the selection of tools during the initial stages of creating an MSP practice. The right tools are critical to your success in delivering ma...

MSP Best Practices Series: The Business Plan from 2022-04-21T09:37:11

So you want to become an MSP. Maybe you are already an MSP and just want to get better. The managed services profession is an exciting, vibrant, and important community serving tens of thousands...

The MSP Perspective on the Kaseya-Datto Deal from 2022-04-19T06:00

Now that we have had some time to digest the news about Kaseya buying Datto, it is time to get the MSP on the street perspective. Travis Springer of Sagiss, joins MSPZone and shares his thoughts...

Are We Winning or Losing against Cybercrime from 2022-04-14T09:14:33

Are we winning or losing the ongoing war against cybercrime? Today's guests have an answer. You may not like the answer, but it does reflect two professional opinions from people who know a lot ...

Analysis of Kaseya Acquisition of Datto from 2022-04-12T10:50:32

The big 4 become the big 3. Yesterday, Datto announced that it is going to be purchased by Kaseya. The deal has huge potential for the global MSP marketplace and we will analyze what those outco...

The MSP Compliance Officer from 2022-04-07T10:43:58

Mature (i.e., larger sized) managed service organizations often will have a chief compliance officer (or team) dedicate to maintaining proper internal compliance for the company. These complianc...

Finally, Some Good News on MSP Cyber Insurance from 2022-04-05T09:41:10

WOM: Low

MSPs have been seeing increases in their cyber insurance premiums for several years now. As cyber threats and attacks continue to increase, paying more to get and maintain cyb...

Peer Groups, Insurance, and MSP Growth from 2022-03-31T09:07:01

WOM: Low

I had the opportunity to speak to a lot of MSPs at MSPWorld last week and, as usual, learned a lot. While there were a lot of topics on the agenda, there are always standout iss...

ConnectWise Talks Security from 2022-03-29T10:22:19

MSPs are not alone in the ongoing fight against cybersecurity. On this episode of MSPZone, we speak with Raffael Marty, general manager, cybersecurity, with ConnectWise.  

Raffael discuss...

Why Standards Matter in Managed Services from 2022-03-17T11:11:19

WOM: Medium

It has been a longstanding issue at the MSPAlliance that we have standards for the MSP profession. While this may have been a philosophical issue early on, it is no longer me...

Misplaced Cyber Risk - A Practical Lesson for us All from 2022-03-15T11:09:24

WOM: Medium

The increase of cyber consultants has produced a lot of confusion and not always positive outcomes. But, there is one positive outcome we can point to: general awareness of c...

Have MSPs Hit the Salary Wall? from 2022-03-10T09:31:15

Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM): Medium

MSPs have been dealing with scarcity of technical and security talent for many years. The global pandemic and the more recent inflationary pressures ha...

Are MSPs Facing a Propaganda War? from 2022-03-08T09:49:41

In the early days of the managed services profession we saw an incredible amount of misinformation about the role of the MSP. In fact, this was one of the chief reasons the MSPAlliance was creat...

Why Organizations are Losing Cyber Insurance Coverage from 2022-03-03T12:46:35

Weaver Outrage Meter (WOM): Low

The importance of cyber insurance should be obvious to most people today. The fact that cyber insurance coverage is being denied to an increasing number o...

The Difference Between MSP and MSSP from 2022-03-01T10:02:47

WOM (Weaver Outrage Meter): Medium

Aside from the obvious additional "S", the inclusion of security in MSP is both incorrect and misleading. Looking at the historical evolution ...

Have MSPs Lost the Public Trust? from 2022-02-24T12:19:11

If you were paying attention during the early and mid 2000s you heard the phrase, “trusted advisor” used quite extensively. Today, some might have you believe that MSPs have lost that trusted ad...

Not All Cyber Attacks Involve Malware from 2022-02-22T10:01:16

Outrage Level - Low

A really interesting article about a recent study from CrowdStrike. The premise of the article is that while cyber-attacks surged last year, 62% of those attacks did ...

MSPWorld 2022 Preview from 2022-02-17T10:47:52

It's that time of year again…MSPWorld! This episode will focus on all the things that I am excited to see at the upcoming MSPWorld conference. Speakers, sessions, sponsors, and topics I anticipa...

How to Decrease Your Cyber Attack Surface from 2022-02-15T09:53:05

MSPs and customers alike are instrumental in the global fight against cyber attacks. Nobody can win by themselves; both groups are crucial to winning this fight.  

This episode will explo...

The Post Pandemic Cloud for MSPs from 2022-02-10T09:12:29

Cloud computing is not a new topic for MSPs. In 2009-10 our profession had an extensive debate around public cloud computing and its impact on MSPs and their clients. Today, it is time we have a...

2022 Economic Forecast for Managed Services from 2022-02-08T11:57:52

The stock continues to be volatile, inflation is impacting large sections of our economy, oil prices are rising, and geo-political events are creating uncertainty. And yet, the managed services ...

Cyber Insurance Missteps Into Managed Services from 2022-02-03T09:40:24

Cyber insurance has become critically important to our modern business operations. For MSPs, the role of cyber insurance is especially important, both because of the protection it affords the MS...

Analysis of the Pennsylvania ”MSP” Bill from 2022-02-01T09:59:49

Pennsylvania Senate Bill 726 from the 2021 session has passed. Now what? While this bill is not yet law, it is important to understand what is in this law and how it may impact MSPs, particularl...

Automation for MSPs in 2022 from 2022-01-27T09:38:39

The role of automation in managed services is not new, however, it has a rough history. MSPs have always recognized the need to scale their operations but have struggled with how to implement au...

More MSP Legislation Updates from 2022-01-25T10:45:58

The United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania both took steps recently to pass legislation around managed IT service providers (MSP) and cybersecurity. While these actions by themselve...

The Argument for MSP Cyber Standards from 2022-01-18T11:44:15

Ten years ago, I wrote an article in the Wall Street Journal arguing for a “universal standard” for cloud computing. While a lot has change...

The Armchair Cybersecurity “Expert” from 2022-01-13T09:13:29

The rise of armchair cybersecurity “experts” has accelerated in recent years. Perhaps the industry most impacted by these armchair cybersecurity experts is managed services.  

As cyberatt...

The Argument for MSP Protection Legislation from 2022-01-11T11:05:07

The time has come for MSP protection legislation. MSPs safeguard many thousands of industries throughout the world and they need our support. More importantly, MSPs need the support of our legis...

Things People Say About MSPs from 2022-01-04T11:28:43

Part of the responsibility of being an MSP is to understand what is being said about your profession. The task of observing how "non-industry" people and organizations talk about MSPs is of part...

Avoid These Mistakes When Choosing an MSP from 2021-12-14T10:59:02

There are many mistakes you should avoid when selecting your MSP. To be honest, the most critical mistakes will differ depending on who you are, your organizational needs, the type of MSP you ar...

Managed Services Sales - Random Thoughts from 2021-12-07T10:39:12

When you are exposed to anything long enough, you will become familiar with that thing. In this case, I'm talking about selling managed services. To say that managed services sales and marketing...

Is Inflation Hitting the Managed Services Market? from 2021-12-01T08:57:38

Is inflation having an impact on the MSP market? As undeniable evidence of inflation is being felt, at least in the United States, it was only a matter of time before someone asked the question:...

MSP Contract Negotiation Series: Data Processing from 2021-11-29T09:39:51

Data processing is an important element of any managed services agreement. The handling of data belonging to clients has never been more critical to the relationship between customer and MSP. Da...

MSP Spending Forecasts Revisited from 2021-11-17T09:26:31

Not a month goes by without some analyst firm or consulting agency producing a managed services spending report. You would think, with all these reports forecasting future managed services spend...

How the Outside World Views MSPs from 2021-11-11T09:22:36

MSPs spend a lot of time "in the channel", that is to say, learning from and interacting with both other providers and technology vendors. Yes, MSPs also spend a great deal of time with their cl...

Non-MSPs Are At Risk for Cyberattacks from 2021-11-02T09:48:42

In a follow up to our episode titled "Who are Hackers Really Targeting?", we have further evidence that it is not MSPs who are vulnerable to attack, but instead, the non-MSP organization has a h...

MSP Contract Negotiation Series - Limitation of Liability&Indemnification from 2021-10-28T09:47:01

MSPs have agreements with everyone; customers, vendors, partners. The managed services agreement with customers, perhaps, is the most important. Regardless of the type of MSP you are, the types ...

Who are The Hackers Really Targeting? from 2021-10-26T10:47:45

Fact: Ransomware "gangs" are actively trying to attack organizations of all sizes. The attacks have had some success and will likely continue for the foreseeable future. But, are the attack vect...

Are Supply Chain Problems Forcing VARs Out of Their Business Model? from 2021-10-21T10:07:40

Pandemic related supply chain disruptions are happening on a global basis. Since the beginning of the pandemic, everyday items have become subject to distribution disruption. These supply chain ...

MSP Consolidation Rumors On the Rise Again from 2021-10-19T11:25:56

It seems there is never a shortage of M&A related chatter within the IT channel and we appear to be in the middle of one such rumor mill once again. In fairness, this may be part rumor and part ...

MSP Contract Negotiations Series - Termination Clauses from 2021-10-14T08:34:32

MSPs have agreements with everyone; customers, vendors, partners. The managed services agreement with customers, perhaps, is the most important. Regardless of the type of MSP you are, the types ...

The Cost of Human Error in Cybersecurity from 2021-10-12T11:26:40

Too often we think only of technology as that which will save us from cyber security threats. Yet, there is an even more powerful resource in the fight against cybercrime…people.  

Do We Lack Cyber Standards or Enforcement? from 2021-10-07T08:36:05

A few episodes ago we discussed the challenges cyber insurance carriers are having identifying and categorizing risk. This has been evidenced in difficulties MSPs (and their customers) have been...

Will The Insurance Industry Survive Cybersecurity? from 2021-10-05T09:00:40

Insurance is one of those topics often misunderstood by many, and yet has an undeniable impact on many industries. The common belief is that MSPs have been the more risky bets for cyber insuranc...

M&A Buyer Tactics You May Want to Avoid from 2021-09-30T08:08:15

MSPs looking to acquire other MSPs are everywhere. MSP buyers have always existed and will always exist. Having seen what works and what doesn't, I thought it would be helpful to discuss a few c...

What is Cybersecurity as a Service? from 2021-09-28T09:37:34

The Information Technology industry has long suffered from nearly constant changing of names and the introduction of new names to replace old ones. Whether this is a successful rebranding techni...

Changing Legal Landscape for Managed Service Providers from 2021-09-23T13:38:39

It has been several years since GDPR went into effect and it has had an impact on MSPs and clients alike. Today, many more laws are being and have been enacted that aim to copy what GDPR has acc...

Is the UK Changing Data Privacy Laws? from 2021-09-21T13:25:30

It was going to happen eventually after the UK left the European Union. The UK is deliberating on whether GDPR will remain as a central theme in data privacy and security for UK citizens. This d...

Quantifying the Value of Managed Services from 2021-09-15T14:43:59

For 25 years MSPs have been attempting to communicate why they are necessary to their clients. For existing managed services customers, this value makes sense since they already know what they a...

Do You Have Ransomware in Your MSP Agreements? from 2021-09-10T09:07:56

Ransomware is a problem for everyone. MSPs fight every day to keep their clients safe from ransomware, and yet, we must plan for the worst case scenario.  

MSPs need to address r...

My Thoughts on the CISA MSP Advisory from 2021-09-08T11:42

CISA published their advisory bulletin addressing risk considerations for organizations thinking about using managed service providers. This is a great advisory, but it has some areas of potenti...

My Thoughts on the CISA MSP Advisory from 2021-09-08T11:42

CISA published their advisory bulletin addressing risk considerations for organizations thinking about using managed service providers. This is a great advisory, but it has some areas of potenti...

Can You Survive Without Managed Services from 2021-08-30T10:19:42

It is a question we used to get often during the early days of managed services. Particularly, when organizations did not fully understand the requirements of owning IT infrastructure. To be sur...

The MSP Legislation We Need from 2021-08-23T10:56:14

There has been a lot of discussion concerning the MSP regulation our profession should have. Standards for MSPs, cyber practices to reduce the number of cyberattacks, etc.  

Inst...

MSP Service Catalogs in the Age of Cloud from 2021-08-18T16:03:10

How should your managed services catalog change, if at all, when delivering your offerings in the cloud? How can you use your updated services catalog to improve your sales and service delivery ...

How to Have the "Ransomware Conversation" with Your Clients from 2021-08-13T15:52:37

Every MSP needs to have an important conversation with their clients about cyberattacks and ransomware. These conversations don't have to be difficult, but they have to happen. Here are my thoug...

MSPs Are Responding to Ransomware Attacks from 2021-08-12T10:18:56

In the aftermath of recent ransomware attacks on software companies used by MSPs, the question of how do we respond as a community is, and should, be asked. Some believe that more legislation is...

How to Fix the “Secretive” Reputation of Cloud Providers from 2021-08-09T10:11:59

"Secretive" cloud providers have a problem. So do the MSPs who use these cloud providers. Fixing the issue of secrecy and lack of transparency is important to the non-IT world and we must addres...

The Difference Between Internal IT and the MSP from 2021-08-04T12:27:19

What's the difference between internal IT departments and managed service providers? There are some important distinctions which define the relationships between internal IT and the external MSP...

MSP Tool Decentralization from 2021-08-02T14:34:23

It was almost an inevitability that MSPs would begin to rethink their procurement of managed services enabling tools in the wake of the Kaseya ransomware attack. Sure enough, we are starting to ...

Defining MSP, MSSP,&SOCaaS from 2021-08-02T13:53:34

What's an MSP? What is an MSSP? What is a SOC? These terms are common throughout the managed services community but often have overlap and can cause confusion. We will explore these terms and ex...

How NOT to Respond to the Kaseya Ransomware Attack from 2021-07-21T15:44:50

To all of you bloggers out there with aspirations of becoming an "expert" in managed services and providing MSPs with advice on how to respond to the Kaseya ransomware attack, this podcast is fo...

What MSPs Need to Know about the Kaseya Ransomware Attack from 2021-07-14T09:16:59

An interview with Rob Scott about the legal, political, and business impact of the Kaseya ransomware attack. 

Highlights: 

• Breach requirements for MSPs  
• Role of insu...
  Listen

My Thoughts on the Kaseya Breach from 2021-07-09T14:24:43

My random thoughts on the Kaseya breach and how the managed services profession will ultimately respond. 

Highlights: 

• Don't Panic! 
• How will this impact the managed ...
  Listen

Risks of Shadow IT and How MSPs Can Fix Them from 2021-07-07T10:04:13

MSPs face many realities when it comes to the management of customer IT environments. Shadow IT is a reality amongst many corporate organizations and very little is known about it or how pervasi...

More States Implementing MSP Regulation from 2021-07-06T17:08:05

Louisiana may have been the first State to pass an MSP law, but it certainly won't be the last. Four other states, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas, all have bills tha...

Service Guarantees – Should MSPs Use Them? from 2021-06-30T13:36:40

Whether they are called SLAs or service guarantees, the concept of outcome-based terms within a contract is not new for MSPs. Whether MSPs should still continue to use guarantees within their se...

Rise of the Cybersecurity Reseller from 2021-06-29T11:36:11

Will cybersecurity resellers have an impact on managed service providers? Like the value-added resellers of yesterday, these upgraded VARs are making a splash by capitalizing on cybersecurity. B...

What is the Difference between Reactive and Proactive Providers? from 2021-06-22T10:41:49

Besides the obvious answers to this question, such as profit margin, ability to scale, efficiency, and higher customer satisfaction, one of the biggest differentiators between MSPs (proactive) a...

Should MSPs Charge More for High Profile Clients? from 2021-06-18T14:31:38

Pricing your managed services offerings has been a longstanding debate within the MSP community. When certain types of customers present more lucrative targeting from cybercriminals, perhaps it ...

Setting up Your Managed Services Portfolio from 2021-06-16T14:55:27

There are many reasons why you should have a managed services portfolio. Some call it a service catalog, others a service offering. Whatever you call it, the importance of having it w...

The Connection Between Documentation and Compliance from 2021-06-09T15:45:57

Documentation has many benefits within a managed services practice. But, it also can be incredibly important for compliance. Here are some best practices MSPs of all sizes can adopt and implemen...

Should I Switch from Break/Fix to Managed Services? from 2021-06-08T11:18:54

The decision to change from a break/fix or reactive IT company into a proactive or managed services company is not an easy one, nor should it be undertaken lightly. Being an MSP is a commitment ...

Managed Services Insurance: Everything You Need to Know from 2021-06-04T09:33:55

Insurance for your MSP practice has never been more important. What types of insurance should you get? What insurance will protect you versus your client?

There is no race to the bottom from 2021-06-02T13:42:08

Is there a race to the bottom within the managed services profession? Commodity pressures, competition, these elements have always been with us but they do not mean that we are throwing away our...

How Can MSPs Avoid Unnecessary Compliance? from 2021-05-27T10:50:01

Many MSPs are so tightly fused with their clients' business and technology needs that it can difficult to separate the two. This is understandable given the high level of trust clients place in ...

Is a Single Pane of Glass over for MSPs? from 2021-05-24T13:17:04

Much has been made of the "single pane of glass" functionality of the major MSP platform companies. A single place from which the MSP can perform much of their work. And yet, as MSPs continue to...

When Security Vendors Get it Wrong from 2021-05-21T16:37:27

MSPs often outsource SOC, SIEM, and other security-related services to their vendors, including some of the larger MSP platform companies. But, what happens when those vendors miss something? Do...

Advice for MSPs Going Through MSP Verify from 2021-05-18T09:41:32

Are you considering the MSP Verify certification? If so, here are some practice insights into how you should approach the process and how to maximize the value. Highlights:

• Why did...
  Listen

MSP Platform Space is Heating Up Again from 2021-05-17T11:48:27

Most of our attention has been on the big 4 MSP platforms. But, are we ignoring the growing army of MSP RMM, ticketing, and point solution tools being developed on a regular basis? The big 4 mig...

The Importance of the Small MSP from 2021-05-14T14:34:14

MSPs don't get a lot of attention, don't have many articles written about that, and yet perform a critical role in our global economy that cannot be overlooked. It's time we pay attention to the...

Path of Future MSP Regulation from 2021-05-13T09:31:49

For 21 years, I've been anticipating a day when MSPs are recognized as the indispensable guardians of data privacy and security that they are. With that recognition comes responsibility, and res...

Can Managed Services Clients Impact Your Compliance? from 2021-05-12T07:56:20

Can a managed services customer impact your ability to be compliant? An interesting question, and one that is on the minds of many MSPs. The question can be expanded also to include whether clie...

Cyber Insurance Claims - What you need to know from 2021-05-06T11:06:24

Cyber insurance claims are becoming a part of everyday life, both for MSPs and customers. There are, however, some best practices you can adopt to make your managed services practice a little ea...

It's Time to Revisit Virtual Desktops from 2021-04-30T09:22:23

Virtual desktops are not a new concept for MSPs, but it may be time to revisit this technology as a model for managing current challenges. 

DOJ Steps Up Fight Against Ransomware from 2021-04-28T13:32:04

The DOJ is stepping up its fight against ransomware. How will this impact your MSP practice?

Don't Lose your MSP Cyber Insurance from 2021-04-20T13:27:27

MSPs are at risk of losing their cyber liability insurance coverage. Insurance companies want greater assurance from MSPs Key Points:

• MSPs need to prove what they are doing, not j...
  Listen

Advice on Negotiating with Vendors from 2021-04-16T10:07:31

MSPs are going through interesting times, particularly when it comes to their relationship with vendors. If you are an MSP (new or old) and need some advice on how to negotiate with your vendors...

Do we put too much trust in MSPs? from 2021-04-12T09:59:09

Do we put too much trust in MSPs? Where else will you put your trust? These are important questions to ask, but the answers must be arrived at deliberately and with accurate information.

Do We Need a US Federal Data Breach Notification Requirement? from 2021-04-08T15:14:28

In the wake of recent US Federal government data breaches, there is a rumor of an executive order that could have a huge impact on the MSP sector. We will examine what these new proposed rules c...

Is it Smart to Private Label Your Services as an MSP? from 2021-04-06T13:51:58

Private labeling (or white labeling) solutions as an MSP is not a new concept. It has been in practice for many years. And yet, with all the changes in privacy and security disclosures in recent...

4 Attack Vectors MSPs Should be Covering from 2021-03-31T10:15:38

What are the key areas of security focus for remote workers? We will discuss 4 key attack vectors MSPs should be considering when developing a managed security offering. 

News from the Cybersecurity Insurance Front from 2021-03-30T12:38:37

More companies are entering the Cybersecurity insurance business and realizing how important MSPs are to that model. What does this mean for MSPs? We’ll discuss on today’s MSPZone.

Is the MSP Market Contracting? from 2021-03-25T14:13:55

Is the professional managed services market contracting? We will address this question on today’s MSP Zone.

Avoiding the MSP Ransomware Trap from 2021-03-24T09:56:32

There are 3 steps MSPs can take to help clients reduce their risk of ransomware. Put slightly differently, here are 3 things you can do to avoid bailing your customer out of a ransomware situati...

The Return of N-able from 2021-03-23T13:41:57

SolarWinds MSP changes name to N-able. What does this mean for the MSP community? We’ll discuss on today’s MSP Zone. 

Show Notes: www.n-able.com

Should MSPs Have a Data Protection Officer? from 2021-03-22T11:10:41

If you are an MSP in the European Union you are probably familiar with the term DPO, or data protection officer. DPOs are required under GDPR and are responsible for the protection of consumer d...

Random Thoughts on Cybersecurity Consultants from 2021-03-19T12:37:21

Cybersecurity has become a big business. And, it's getting bigger every day. Much has been made about the transition from MSP to MSSP, and cybersecurity consulting firms are cashing in on this b...

Are Managed Services Clients on a Collision Course with Vendors? from 2021-03-18T12:48:11

Recent cyberattacks involving vendor technologies could be creating more risk for managed services customers. Are these attacks setting clients on a collision course with technology vendors (not...

Datto 2020 Financials&the End of Manual Managed Services Help Desk from 2021-03-16T13:18:49

Datto releases 2020 financial results, and could this be the end of manual help desk practices? We will review these news stories and provide our commentary on today's episode. 

Intel Explores Software for MSPs from 2021-03-12T12:47:58

Chip manufacturer Intel has been serving the IT channel for decades. Today, Intel is heading in a new direction and it could have significant implications for the MSP and their customers.

Death of Pay as You Go? from 2021-03-04T19:40:44

MSPs are facing increased pressure by some vendors who are requiring minimum recurring revenue levels in order to add new services, such as security. What will this mean for your MSP practice? W...

How Can MSPs Best Support Clients in Healthcare from 2021-03-04T09:52:45

MSPs serving the healthcare sector have played a unique and important role in the last year. Frontline medical staff have helped lead the charge against a global pandemic. What challenges have M...

The MSP Compliance Journey from 2021-03-02T10:06:51

MSPs have maturity journeys they take, often starting as highly manual, reactive companies, but moving towards greater efficiency, automation, and profitability. The same is true with compliance...

Kaseya Buys Security Operations Center from 2021-02-24T19:24:47

MSP platform company Kaseya, just announced that it has acquired RocketCyber, an MSP that provides Security Operations Center (SOC) services to MSPs. 

Defining Managed Services for Compliance from 2021-02-22T12:33:30

People used to ask (they still do) what is an MSP. Typically, they'd follow up with another question, how do you define managed services? These questions are still relevant today but for slightl...

Vendor Supply Chain Data Breaches - What Should You Do? from 2021-02-18T11:35:52

What obligations do MSPs have when they learn of a data breach within one of their supply chain vendors? Does such a breach automatically mean the MSP needs to issue a notification? Perhaps not....

A Security Discussion Around Sunburst from 2021-02-15T06:30

What was the sunburst attack and how can MSPs protect themselves against in the future? That’s what we’ll be discussing in today’s episode. 

MSP Zone Guest: Brian Stoner, Stellar Cyber

Should MSPs Help Clients with Controls? from 2021-02-11T12:32:28

It's easy to think of MSPs only as providers of an IT service, but what about IT controls? Should MSPs help their clients in creating and implementing IT controls as part of a managed services r...

MSP Project Work in 2021 from 2021-02-10T14:52:58

2021 looks like it will be a lot better than 2020, especially when it comes to IT spending. But, if you are an MSP and want to safeguard your practice against future risks, there are some things...

Can you save money in the public cloud? from 2021-02-05T10:09:13

Can you save money by moving to the public cloud? Of course, you can. Well, maybe. The answer really depends. What started as a response to the 2009 global financial crisis should not be general...

Is your MSP Business Plan Still Relevant? from 2021-01-26T10:44:26

Does the MSP business model you are operating under still make sense? Is it still relevant to your clients?

MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott, Scott & Scott LLP

What's Next for Work From Home? from 2021-01-24T08:48:28

2020 is in the past. But, work from home may be a permanent change left from the global pandemic. How will work from home continue to evolve into 2021 and how should MSPs approach this change? <...

Closing Common Security Gaps from 2021-01-22T09:22:53

Bad people know the generally applied practices for IT management. As such, managed services delivery procedures should be consistently reviewed. These best practices can help your MSP practice ...

DOH is Here from 2021-01-21T15:40:29

DNS over HTTPS is here. What is it? This episode of MSP Zone will discuss DoH, the threats it is attempting to solve, and how MSPs can use it in their managed services offerings. 

Program...

Patching Best Practices for MSPs from 2021-01-20T14:55:31

Patching isn’t just a process every MSP should be doing. Patching is an essential component to keeping client systems safe and secure, and operational.

MSP Zone Guest: Shane Cooper, Listen

Zero Trust Network Architecture for MSPs from 2021-01-14T11:53:16

What is ZTNA? As MSPs face increasing challenges in protecting their clients against global cyber threats, new ways of defense are needed. Could ZTNA be an effective new tool for MSPs? We will d...

Securing the MSP Supply Chain from 2021-01-12T09:30:34

The supply chain in managed services involves numerous technology relationships with external parties. This is a normal practice. There are, however, some easy and necessary steps every MSP ough...

4 Process Improvements for Private Cloud Managed Services from 2021-01-11T10:41:48

Managing any object (as a managed service) requires skill. But, beyond mere expertise, there are several critical characteristics that can really make your private cloud managed services offerin...

2020 Managed Services Year in Review from 2020-12-16T08:24:58

2020 will be a historic year, not just because we had a global pandemic. The managed services profession achieved some significant milestones this year. We will examine a few of the highlights i...

The Unintended Consequences of MSP Regulation from 2020-12-09T12:52:13

MSP regulation is upon us. But, could there be unintended consequences not foreseen by the regulators and legislators passing such laws? Today, we talk to a Louisiana based MSP to get his though...

MSSP - Build or Partner from 2020-12-09T10:42:34

If you are wanting to accelerate your steps towards offering managed security, you have a few options, including build or partner. Today’s episode discusses some of the pros and cons of both the...

Current Best Practices in Managed Service Contracts from 2020-12-02T14:28:33

Managed services agreements are crucial for MSPs and clients. Everything from the duration of the agreement, to pricing, limitation of liability, and other elements necessary to the relationship...

The evolution of MSPs in the age of Covid from 2020-12-01T10:35:06

As we near the end of 2020, a year that has brought significant global change to everyone, we also look at the ways how this year has impacted the managed services profession and the customers r...

Managed Services in the Last Frontier from 2020-11-20T11:59:12

A conversation with Ampersand, a managed services provider based in Alaska about their journey throughout the pandemic, meeting the needs of their clients, and in general about being an MSP in t...

Can you Resell Managed Services? from 2020-11-19T11:49

Is the MSP profession ready for the channel? Of course it is, you might say. But, we are talking about the reselling of managed services as a channel. Can this strategy be accomplished effective...

MSPs&Passwords from 2020-11-16T19:29:35

Passwords play such an important role in our society and our cybersecurity, we just can't talk about them enough. Today's episode features LogMeIn, creators of LastPass, in a discussion concerni...

Managed Services Has Bright Future, Regardless of Political Outcomes from 2020-11-05T11:59:21

When many people are uncertain about the outcome of the recent political elections, there is some certainty in the world. Specifically, there is some good news for managed service providers, reg...

Managed Services Change is Coming Due to Datto IPO from 2020-11-04T13:47:36

Last week's initial public offering (IPO) for Datto has broader consequences for the global managed services profession. Most of these consequences are good. Let's examine what some of them are....

The MSP Standard of Care from 2020-10-27T16:13

Is there an MSP standard of care? Standards of care exist in other professions like medical, legal, etc. But, do they exist in the managed services profession? 

In today's episode, we wil...

Are you better off with or without an MSP? from 2020-10-21T10:02:13

Are you better off with an MSP or without an MSP? That is today's question. We ask the question in order to realign the discussion of outsourcing IT management in light of recent attacks on MSPs...

OFAC Guidance on Ransomware Payments from 2020-10-08T09:50:23

The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control recently issued and advisory bulletin on the potential sanctions risks of making ransomware payments. Payments to certain individual...

Remote Work is Generating New Managed Services Opportunities from 2020-10-06T10:42:43

COVID-19 has been disruptive for many businesses, including some MSPs. Some businesses, however, have reacted better than others to the global pandemic; this also includes MSPs. Backup softwar...

Are MSPs Responsible for their Vendors? from 2020-09-28T11:16:36

MSPs are responsible for their own actions, but should they be responsible for the external service providers (i.e., vendors) they bring to their customers? This episode discusses this complicat...

MSP Zone Interview with Chris McHale of SPK and Associates from 2020-09-23T15:22:12

MSPs have been reporting all year a similar story across many market verticals and geographies. In today's episode, we speak with Chris McHale of SPK and Associates about her clients (many of th...

Managed Services for Healthcare in 2020 from 2020-09-16T10:53:14

Our interview with an MSP focusing heavily on healthcare offers some valuable insights into how that sector has done throughout the pandemic. 

Highlights: 

• Pandemic has forced...
  Listen

Managing SaaS from 2020-09-14T16:26:36

It used to be that MSPs would manage servers, desktops, firewalls, and other business and infrastructure objects for their clients. Many still do. Yet, as software as a service (SaaS) continues ...

Digital Transformation is Driving Managed Services from 2020-09-09T10:10:38

Managed Service Provider Ensono recently conducted a study of end-user organizations who reported some interested results related to IT spending and prioritization. 

• 43% of IT decisi...
  Listen

Where are Organizations Most Vulnerable to Cyberattack? from 2020-09-08T11:26:55

The war on cybercrime is now upon us. Globally, organizations of all sizes face unprecedented attacks on their IT assets. Luckily, MSPs are on the job and ready to defend against these attacks. ...

Safe Cyber Hygiene Through Managed Services Contracts from 2020-08-28T14:52:48

How do you achieve safe cyber hygiene with your managed services customers. How about your contracts? 

Managed services contracts are one of several effective ways you can influence your ...

MSP Audit Myths from 2020-08-24T13:15:27

One of the biggest misconception MSPs have about certifications and audits is that if the MSP does not host the data, there is no need to examine the MSP. This is false! Program Highlights:  ...

Understanding the Difference Between Security and Privacy Incidents from 2020-08-12T13:33:24

Not every cyber attack involves a data breach. Some network breaches do not involve the loss of personally identifiable data. Understanding the distinction between security and privacy incidents...

How One MSP Grew During the Pandemic from 2020-08-06T13:04:29

Long time MSPAlliance member and practicing MSP Jim Van of Logicomm sits down with The MSP Zone and discusses MSP regulation, the ongoing maturity of the MSP profession, and how his MSP practice...

My Advice for Break-Fix Providers from 2020-08-05T09:05:49

2020 has been a challenging year, particularly so for break/fix, reactive IT providers. What is the best strategy and recommendation for these providers as we pass the mid-way point of 2020? Let...

Managed Services Mid-Year Review for 2020 from 2020-08-03T12:17:08

2020 has been an unusual year for almost everyone on the planet, including managed service providers. How have MSPs been doing since the pandemic? The answer may surprise you. 

Is Your MSP Practice Ready for the Pandemic Recovery? from 2020-07-30T10:18:24

MSPs (and their clients) are facing a diverse set of opportunities and challenges as we enter the economic and social recovery from this global pandemic. What your MSP practice will face can dep...

Private Equity Moving on Managed Services&the Datto IPO Analysis from 2020-07-22T10:37:41

Stock market volatility, election year uncertainty, and pandemic effects still being felt, all lead investors to pull out of equity markets and put their money into private equity as a place to ...

Defining the Amateur MSP from 2020-07-21T10:59:42

Defining the amateur MSP is helpful, if not necessary, for a number of reasons. First, any profession needs to have clearly defined levels or ranges of professionalism. Definitions of profession...

What does the MSPAlliance do for MSPs? from 2020-07-08T08:18:56

As MSPAlliance celebrates 20 years serving the MSP profession, we thought it would be helpful (especially for the newer members) to hear about some of the ways the MSPAlliance has helped lead th...

Can Insurance Companies Make Money with MSPs? from 2020-07-07T10:51:02

Several notable insurance companies have publicly stepped back from insuring MSPs. What does this mean for the managed services profession and how can insurance companies better understand MSPs ...

Monthly Agreements and MSP Valuations from 2020-07-02T10:28:57

Adoption of month-to-month managed services agreements may be on the rise, but what will this do to MSP valuations? The answer may surprise you. Monthly a multi-year agreements have their place ...

Bring Your Own Security - Is it Enough? from 2020-06-26T08:32:14

Work from home may be the new normal, but "Bring Your Own Security" should not be. While most organizations have been struggling with the pandemic, including the establishment of work from home ...

Should you Charge More for Managing Regulated Data? from 2020-06-24T10:08:12

Data is everything in the MSP community. The type of data you manage can dictate how much risk you take on, how you sell, and ultimately, how you price your managed services. Do you know the typ...

Negotiating Public Cloud Agreements from 2020-06-23T12:29:37

Most MSPs use at least 1 public cloud to deliver their managed services. Increase security, flexibility, and scalability are all features driving more MSPs into the public cloud. But, dealing wi...

Analysis of the New MSP Registration Law from 2020-06-18T15:12:08

MSP registration is here. The State of Louisiana has passed a law, the first of its kind, dealing with mandatory MSP registration. What does this law mean for MSPs and what should you do to prep...

RMM Legal Agreements - What MSPs Need to Know from 2020-06-15T12:28:23

MSP platform vendors have undergone a lot of change in the last few years. The same is true with their partner agreements. But, are these agreements too one-sided and do they put too much risk o...

Surviving Cyber Attacks: Data Breach Response, Ransomware Negotiation, and Other Tactics from 2020-06-12T11:13:35

Dealing with Ransomware is something every MSP faces, whether directly or on behalf of a client. MSPs must know what to expect, how to interact with ransomware organizations/individuals, and how...

It's Time to Rebalance your MSP Client Portfolio from 2020-06-04T08:41

Now that the global economy is re-awakening, our attention must turn to areas where MSPs can achieve success, and learn from the past to avoid areas which may not be ready for business as usual....

RMM Security Strategies for MSPs from 2020-06-03T11:13:41

Every MSP uses some combination of RMM and ticketing technology. But, what are the security issues related to use of those platforms and how can MSPs ensure they are protected? 

MSP Zone ...

Solving the MSP Staffing Gap from 2020-05-29T13:15:53

MSPs are about to experience a surge in business as the global economy re-awakens. But, how will MSPs achieve success and scalability without a steady supply of experienced technical and industr...

MSP Are Still a Safe Bet for Investors from 2020-05-21T14:33:34

Where do investors turn when the stock market, gold, and real estate no longer provide safety? Managed services. MSPs are becoming a safe bet for many investors looking to diversify and achieve ...

Do MSPs need certification if they don’t have a datacenter? from 2020-05-20T12:00:34

Do MSPs have more liability if they host data? I don't own a data center; do I still need to get certified? Many MSPs have these questions. We will be discussing these topics, and more on today'...

Flattening the Cyber Risk Curve from 2020-05-18T14:28:09

Many organizations believe practicing good cyber hygiene is an impossible task. But it may be easier than you realize. Understanding the risks, developing a plan, and implementing effective and ...

Application Whitelisting - the new standard for MSP security? from 2020-05-15T13:58:07

What is application whitelisting? Why is it needed? How can application whitelisting improve your internal MSP security as well as that of your clients? Join our guest Corey Munson as he describ...

You've been breached. Now what? from 2020-05-14T12:02:39

You've experienced a cyber breach. Now what do you do? This is a situation many organizations have never experienced, but likely will in the near future. Cyber attacks are on the rise and show n...

Securing the New Remote Worker from 2020-05-13T12:00:10

MSPs face more employees working remotely, and have more end-user customers dealing with remote work environments. What are the challenges and opportunities this presents to both MSPs and client...

The True Cost of Ransomware from 2020-05-12T13:37:07

Everybody knows the risks of ransomware include a financial cost. But, are you factoring in all the costs? Should you pay if you are impacted by ransomware? Is it worth it? 

Legal Tips for Dealing with MSP Clients During Pandemic from 2020-05-11T12:57:01

Free trials, flexible terms, force majeure. What do these terms mean and how should your MSP practice put them into effect? We'll be discussing these topics, and more on today's episode.

...

MSP Pricing Best Practices from 2020-05-08T10:12:01

There are many types of managed services pricing models being used today. Whatever model you use, risk should be accounted for somewhere in your pricing of managed services offerings. Towards th...

IoT Managed Services...Coming Soon to an MSP Near You from 2020-05-06T10:46:15

For those of you not already delivering managed services around "IoT" devices, it might be ready for you to consider doing so. The market for IoT and security are projected to increase steadily ...

MSP Loan Funding - Part 2 from 2020-05-04T16:19:58

In an update from our previous episode on the CARES Act, The MSP Zone speaks with Courtney LaLone, principal with Bernard Robinson & Company, on how the program is doing and whether MSPs should ...

Shorter Contracts for MSPs? from 2020-04-30T12:54:20

The MSP Zone talks with Stephen Sweett, president of Buchanan Technologies, an MSP with headquarters in Grapevine, TX, about the shift to remote work, the growth of their MSP help desk, and the ...

Augmentt Aims to Disrupt MSP Platform Tools from 2020-04-23T15:12:14

This is not your father's RMM tool. The phrase could be the unofficial tagline for Augmentt, a new company with deep ties to N-able. 

In this episode of the MSP Zone, Derik Belair, CEO of...

3 Security Training Topics Every MSP Should Offer to Clients from 2020-04-21T21:07:56

There are many ways an MSP can serve its customers. Education and training are a few examples of services which will have meaningful benefits to the clients and to the MSP. 

Security trai...

Is it Time to Tear Up Your Master Service Agreement? from 2020-04-21T11:04:25

MSPs have been using contracts for many years to structure and codify their managed services relationships with clients. One of the tools MSPs have been using quite effectively in the last 10-15...

How are MSPs Doing in the Fight Against COVID-19? from 2020-04-20T10:27:52

John Burgess, president of Mainstream Technologies, discusses the impact of COVID-19 and how he and other MSPs are doing. Inevitably, the economic recovery from quarantine will begin and we disc...

Are Changes Coming for MSP Growth? from 2020-04-16T11:52:17

MSPs are facing a lot of change in the next few months. As MSPs are handling an increase in IT support requests by many clients, there could be a coming shake up within the break/fix community a...

Education is Crucial to Winning the Cybersecurity Fight from 2020-04-14T14:06:14

Winning managed services deals means beginning with education. Education of clients and prospects is what will create the indelible bond and proverbial "trusted advisor" relationship between cli...

News from the Cyberwar Battle Front from 2020-04-13T15:16:21

PC Matic vice president Corey Munson talks to The MSP Zone about working remotely, how their MSP partners are doing in the fight against cybercrime, and what the economic recovery for MSPs and t...

Boom Times for MSPs In Post COVID-19 Recovery? from 2020-04-09T15:04:31

MSPAlliance Insights sits down (virtually) with RainTech owner Andrew Jahnke. RainTech is an MSP based in Colorado specializing in healthcare. Andrew shares his perspective on the COVID-19 pande...

CARES Act: Should MSPs Participate? from 2020-04-02T12:13:08

As millions of people all over the United States (and the world) fight this pandemic of COVID-19, the Federal government passed legislation designed to infuse the US market with liquidity. The C...

Supporting new remote work businesses from 2020-03-19T11:44:07

MSPs are facing a new challenge and opportunity as thousands of small and medium sized businesses are coming to grips with how to rapidly adopt a remote work model. Nearly the entire planet righ...

MSPs Are Vital to the Fight Against Coronavirus from 2020-03-16T15:38:28

As the world economies shift rapidly towards remote work environments for the short term, new challenges emerge for businesses and organizations. Remote workers suddenly expected to work product...

Coronavirus&MSPs from 2020-02-25T15:53:10

MSPAlliance Insights discusses coronavirus and its impact on global business. We also discuss how MSPs can protect themselves (and their clients) against these global pandemics through business ...

Solving the MSP Human Talent Shortage from 2020-02-11T11:43:26

Most everyone acknowledges the human talent shortage within the managed services profession. This human capital shortage is not new, and it shows no signs of going away. So, what are growth-mind...

Responding to MSP Criticism from 2020-02-07T16:43:02

As the new reports of attacks on MSPs have increased, the MSPAlliance has mostly remained silent. Beyond internal industry communications and programs to improve cybersecurity measures (somethin...