Explore how AI is transforming the MSP industry, from strategic applications to regulatory concerns, with Nicole Reineke, AI Strategist at N-able. 

Join Pete Roythorne and Nicole Reineke, AI Strategist at N-able, as they dive into the evolving role of AI in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry. Discover how AI is being utilized beyond marketing and code creation, the current opportunities, regulatory challenges, and strategies for MSPs to integrate AI effectively.

Download Nicole’s White Paper, AI for MSPs at https://www.n-able.com/resources/ai-for-msps

 In this episode, we explore the current state and future potential of AI within the MSP industry. We discuss the findings of the MSP Horizons report, highlighting how AI usage has evolved from marketing and code creation to more strategic applications such as predictive maintenance and efficiency improvements. Nicole explains the concept of "Shadow AI," where employees use AI tools independently, leading to broader acceptance and integration within businesses.

The conversation also addresses the growing regulatory concerns, with a shift from fear of AI to understanding its legal and ethical implications. Nicole emphasizes the need for transparency and consent when using AI, particularly in handling customer and employee data. They discuss practical steps MSPs can take to adopt AI responsibly, including setting clear standards for data use, ensuring transparency, and leveraging community resources like Huggingface.

Nicole outlines a process for MSPs to evaluate AI products, considering factors like data availability, technological feasibility, business value, and risk. She also highlights that modern tools have leveled the playing field, allowing even small MSPs to harness AI's power effectively. The episode concludes with a discussion on ensuring data integrity and the importance of data engineering in successful AI implementation.

Listeners are encouraged to explore available resources, including a white paper on AI adoption for MSPs and guidelines from industry leaders like IBM and the Center for Humane Technology.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timefram

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

In this conversation, Dave MacKinnon, Chief Security Officer at N-able, talks to Pete Roythorne about Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and its relevance for MSPs. They explore the differences between MDR and other technologies, the benefits of MDR for MSPs, and the cost effectiveness of implementing MDR. Dave highlights the challenges of building a Security Operations Center (SOC) and emphasizes the importance of technology selection and effective threat detection in MDR. He also explains how MSPs can communicate the benefits of MDR to their customers and the role of resiliency in protecting businesses. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the implementation process of MDR.

Key Takeaways

· MDR goes beyond detection and includes response capabilities to contain risks and protect businesses.

· MDR offers a cost-effective solution for MSPs compared to building and maintaining a SOC.

· Key considerations for MSPs in selecting MDR include technology compatibility, effective threat detection, and integrated response capabilities.

· MDR helps MSPs enhance their customers' resiliency by minimizing risks and protecting critical systems.

· Implementing MDR involves leveraging existing technology investments and focusing on effective monitoring and response.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

Explore the reasons behind the decline in global channel M&A activity in 2023 and the increasing number of buyers compared to sellers in this conversation with Matt Takhar, Business Development Director at N-able. Takhar also delves into the factors driving M&A, such as the need for strategic fit and expansion into new markets. The conversation highlights two key models for structuring MSP acquisitions: the centralized model, where the acquired MSP is consolidated into the buyer's brand, and the decentralized model, where the acquired MSP retains its own brand but receives support from the buyer. The pros and cons of each model are discussed, along with the importance of due diligence for both buyers and sellers.

Key Takeaways:

· There has been a decline in global channel M&A activity in the MSP industry in 2023, but there are still many buyers looking to acquire MSPs.

· MSPs are becoming more selective in their acquisitions, looking for strategic fit and specialization in certain industries or sectors.

· Two key models for structuring MSP acquisitions are the centralized model, where the acquired MSP is consolidated into the buyer's brand, and the decentralized model, where the acquired MSP retains its own brand but receives support from the buyer.

· Due diligence is crucial for both buyers and sellers in the M&A process to ensure a successful and mutually beneficial acquisition.

· The MSP industry is attracting a new breed of owners who are business-focused rather than purely technical, and there are also franchise models available for setting up MSPs.

· Sellers have the upper hand in the current market, with more buyers than sellers, and should take the time to find the right buyer and deal for their business.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com