The MSP Zone

MSSP - Build or Partner

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 build and partner methods. What are some of the common MSSP challenges? Should MSPs build or partner?Has Work From Home disrupted the legacy managed security deliverable? What is a SOC? Is it just a NOC with a SIEM?MSP Zone Guest: Brian Stoner, Stellar Cyber

Current Best Practices in Managed Service Contracts

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 between MSP and client must be articulated within the managed services agreement. 
Today's program examines the current best practices as it pertains to how MSPs ought to construct their managed services agreements. 
Episode Highlights: 
Term of agreements - Monthly, 1 year, and 3-year options, each offering pricing discounts depending on term
Cancellation clauses directly impact the term of the agreement.
Price protections
Response times vs resolution times
Insurance - the goal should be a “zero risk” position for the MSP
Limitation of liability
MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott of Scott & Scott, LLP

The evolution of MSPs in the age of Covid

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 relying on MSPs. While 2020 brought undeniable change, it also brought opportunities to use change as a way to survive and improve upon outdated and even inefficient business practices. This is especially true in IT management. 
Program Highlights:
The evolution of networks in the age of Covid and remote/mobile workers
The Threat Landscape evolving trends
The need for advanced security, especially for encrypted traffic
The importance of a layered security solution
MSP Zone Guest: Robert Krug, of Avast Software

Managed Services in the Last Frontier

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 the last frontier. 

Can you Resell Managed Services?

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 effectively and safely? What are some of the steps you should take if you are considering such a strategy? 
What are the legal risks?
Is there a primary MSP relationship which should be established?
How do you update your agreements?
If you are the “channel partner” MSP, how do you adapt?
 
MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott, Scott & Scott LLP
This episode brought to you by Webroot

MSPs & Passwords

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 concerning password management for MSPs and password management for customers. 
MSP Zone Guest: Rebecca Stone, LogMeIn

Managed Services Has Bright Future, Regardless of Political Outcomes

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, regardless of who wins the elections. 
Future of managed services is very positive, regardless of who wins the political races. 
There appears to be bipartisan support for general data privacy and security protections, so expect that to continue regardless of political race outcomes.
MSPs must lead with security in order to capitalize on the massive opportunities coming their way. 
MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott, Scott & Scott LLP

Managed Services Change is Coming Due to Datto IPO

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

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 will examine the concept of the MSP standard of care, when it would apply, and address ways MSPs can articulate what their standard of care is so clients are aware and educated.
MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott, Scott & Scott LLP

Are you better off with or without an MSP?

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 in the past 24 months.