The latest technology news from the managed services industry validates the continual need for transformation. Over the past few days, a number of vendors introduced significant innovations to their MSP-focused portfolios:
- Tigerpaw Software rolled out both cloud and mobile versions of its PSA platform at its annual user conference.
- N-able announced new email and anti-spam integration capabilities with Roaring Penguin.
- GFI Max is adding iOS, Android and RIM mobile device management (MDM) capabilities to its managed services offerings.
- Trend Micro expanded and upgraded a number of its cloud-based security services.
- AppNeta majorly enhanced its network and application infrastructure monitoring solution.
- Datto announced the integration of its hybrid cloud backup and data recovery solution with the Kaseya remote monitoring tools.
- Perimeter E-Security introduced a cloud-based MDM offering to its managed services portfolio.
The quantity of MSP-related news continues to grow, highlighting the speed of change taking place each month in the recurring-revenue segment of the IT channel. Unlike traditional break-fix services and hardware sales, managed services are more immediate in nature. A miscue with monitoring coverage or failure to upgrade to the latest system could lead to significant network or security issues and call into question your organization’s value as a provider.
That may seem harsh. But since proactive, behind-the-scenes IT management is the major benefit of managed services, even a minor glitch can compromise a client’s confidence in its provider’s abilities. While service level agreements may address clients’ financial and short-term concerns, any “crack in the armor” can open the door for the competition.
That’s why MSPs need to remain diligent, researching and understanding how the latest threats and business issues will affect their clients and learning how to proactively change their own operations to stay ahead of the game. A key part of that transformation is for providers to understand what lies ahead, from the latest technologies and business improvement practices to upcoming legislation and security concerns.
Best-in-Class is a Process, Not a Destination
MSPs can learn a lot from the owners of antique show cars. Winning the top awards on a consistent basis requires a lot of hard work, and most of that effort can’t be seen in the gloss shine. A persistent champion spends hours cleaning and polishing the parts that 90 percent of the judges won’t see, including under the seats and inside the glove compartment. They make continual improvements to their car each year, knowing that their competitors observe what they do and apply the same techniques to up their game.
The same approach can be applied to an MSP business. The painstaking work it does each day to support its clients is the shine, while the less frequent tweaks to the machine help keep it running like a champion. Those operations are crucial, especially to the company’s current viability, but preparing for the future is essential to the organization’s long-term success.
That process is a lot easier for companies that belong to an industry peer group. The CompTIA MSP Partners Community roadmap is a great example, offering an overview of market and technology factors that could potentially impact a provider’s business. Just one of the many practice-enhancing tools created by members of the group, it simplifies the research process for MSPs developing a future portfolio of products and services.
The MSP Partners Community is much more than a wealth of training and practice building materials. Its face-to-face group meetings offer valuable industry expert and peer networking opportunities, fostering numerous best practice discussions and idea generation sessions. Members often deliberate on the benefits of emerging technologies and business opportunities, helping each other determine where they need to invest resources or pull back operations.
Of course, for those who want to validate their managed services program, CompTIA offers the MSP Partners Trustmark. This business credential not only helps an MSP differentiate itself from the competition, but authenticates its processes and systems through an industry-proven application process. The acclaimed program is yet another example of what the MSP Partners Community can do, taking an initiative idea from concept to execution, with the expertise of its diverse membership.
Would you like to join a peer community that’s looking to the future of managed services? Contact Corey Simpson at CSimpson@comptia.org.
Brian Sherman is founder of Tech Success Communications, specializing in editorial content and consulting for the IT channel. His previous roles include chief editor at Business Solutions magazine and senior director of industry alliances with Autotask. Contact Brian at Bsherman@techsuccesscommunications.com.
