The MSP Zone

Examining US National AI Strategy

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most people overlook how urgent, and critical, this moment is for the future of AI in America. A new, sweeping federal policy is forging a singular AI...

The MSP/AI Paradox

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most MSPs are chasing AI, but the real game-changer isn't just the tool — it's who you are as a provider. Are you reactive, firefighting, inconsiste...

An Interview with Steve Shattuck of GoTo

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Unlock the truth behind the comeback of LogMeIn and what it really means for MSPs in 2026! Is your current tech stack ready for the game-changing next...

Cyber Attacks or Cyber Negligence: What is Inevitable vs what is Preventable

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most cyber incidents are not the result of sophisticated attacks; they are often failures of basic cyber hygiene. But why do so many organizations con...

AI and the Future of Work: How MSPs Will Lead the Change

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This isn’t the AI episode you’ve heard before — it’s a wake-up call for MSPs and business leaders who refuse to stay stuck in the old playbook...

Why Hiring a Salesperson Won’t Unlock MSP Growth

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most MSPs are chasing a myth: that hiring a salesperson will magically unlock their growth. But what if the real key isn’t new hires — it’s your...

Why Your MSP Isn’t Profitable: The Hidden Cost of a Bloated Tech Stack

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most MSPs are unknowingly sabotaging their profitability by stacking tools instead of designing services. If your margins are thin despite a busy team...

MSPs and the vCISO Challenge: Defining Boundaries

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most MSPs have been silently playing in the security space for decades—so why are clients now demanding they act as CISO? In this eye-opening episod...

Preparing for AI Regulation

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of MSP Zone, Charles Weaver and Rob Scott delve into the complexities of AI regulation and its implications for managed service provid...

You Can’t Sell What You Can’t Describe

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Charles delves into the critical importance of having a clear and compelling message for managed service providers (MSPs). He emphasi...

Is the MSP M&A Market Cooling in 2026?

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful episode, Charles and Adam Borst explore the current state of the Managed Service Provider (MSP) mergers and acquisitions (M&A) mark...

Reducing Complexity: The Key to MSP Profitability

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for an insightful conversation with Michael George, CEO of Syncro, as we explore the evolving landscape of managed service providers (MSPs). D...

Is the MSP Business Model Obsolete?

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Charles and Dan Candee, CEO of Cork, as they explore the evolving landscape of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in today's fast-paced IT world. I...

Cybersecurity Awareness: Beyond the Basics

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the world of MSP security and compliance. Chris Viau and Charles from MSP Alliance guide us throug...

Is It Too Late to Start an MSP?

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and the modern-day expectations they face. Join us as we discus...

"Cybersecurity's Enron Moment: Are We Prepared?"

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the parallels between the infamous Enron scandal and today's cybersecurity landscape. Join us as we explore whether the...

The Ethics of MSP Agreements: Insights from an MSP Owner

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Charles Weaver as he sits down with Neil Holme, CEO and founder of Impact Business Technology, to explore the intricacies of managed service prov...

Identity as the New Perimeter: A Conversation with Dor Eisner

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of MSP Zone, Charles Weaver sits down with Dor Eisner, CEO and co-founder of Guardz, to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurit...

Life on the MSP Road - Feedback from Inspire and MSP Summit

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Charles Weaver as he delves into the evolving landscape of Managed Service Providers (MSPs). In this episode, Charles discusses the pressing need...

Competing against Low Priced MSPs

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Charles Weaver delves into the age-old dilemma of competing against Managed Service Providers (MSPs) that drive down pricing. He expl...

Do We Have a Profitability Problem in the Managed Services Profession?

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful episode, Charles Weaver explores why profitability is crucial for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Pro...

Safe Harbor Laws a Game Changer for Managed Services Profession

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the critical topics of managed services immunity and safe harbor laws for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Discover ho...

The Hidden Size of the Managed Services Market

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This conversation delves into the size and growth of the managed services market, highlighting the disparity between the number of service providers a...

Avoiding Litigation for Managed Service Providers

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the critical strategies Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can employ to avoid litigation. Charles Weaver shares insights...

The Rise of the Cyber VAR

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Charles Weaver as he delves into the emerging world of cyber VARs and their transformative impact on managed services. Discover how these value-a...

Stop Reacting, Start Growing

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode focuses on the importance of shifting away from reactive IT and growing proactive IT services. Charles Weaver emphasizes that striving fo...

MSP Benchmarking vs. Peer Groups

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Charles Weaver and Kyle Murphy discuss the critical differences between MSP benchmarking and peer groups, emphasizing their unique ro...

Why Compliant MSPs Win Big in M&A Deals

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the critical importance of compliance in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) world, especially during mergers and acquis...

MSP Succession Planning Strategies

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this insightful podcast episode, Charles Weaver delves into the evolving landscape for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) with a focus on succession ...

Securing Remote Access Tools for MSPs

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the critical issues surrounding remote access tools and their vulnerabilities, emphasizing the importance of trust between...

Unlocking the Power of Managed Controls

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the critical concept of shared responsibility in managed services, what we refer to as managed controls. As MSPs take on m...

How to Build a vCISO Practice for MSPs

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the **journey of certification in IT services**, highlighting the critical role it plays in becoming a trusted advisor ...

MSP Optimism Remains Strong for 2025

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the MSP Zone, Jeff Nulsen of N-able, dives into the latest findings from the N-able MSP Horizon's report for 2025. The discussion p...

How to Build a Recession Resistant MSP Practice

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, Peter Kujawa of Service Leadership delves into the resilience of businesses during economic downturns. The conversation cente...

Taxes and Managed Services

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this engaging conversation, Charles and Mike Deskin discuss the evolution of Dresner Group, a Maryland-based managed service provider, from its inc...

Business Transition Strategies for MSP Owners

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this MSP Zone conversation, Ramsey Sahyoun, co-founder and M&A partner at Evergreen, discusses the unique positioning of Evergreen as a holding com...

An Interview with Glenn Mathis of Integris

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Glenn Mathis, president and COO of Integris, a national MSP, enters the MSP Zone to discuss a variety of topics. In this episode, Charles Weaver and G...

State vs. Federal Cybersecurity Regulations

01 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, John Burgess of Mainstream Technologies dives into the significant impact cybersecurity issues have on local services and, consequent...

Surviving MSP Litigation

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the significant impact that outlandish claims can have on insurance premiums. Here are the key takeaways: 1. Impact on ...

GRC Risks for MSPs

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join our panel of experts as we explore the complexities of compliance for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and how Cyber Verify serves as a crucial t...

Modernizing Cybersecurity: The Path to Immunity

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The episode focuses on the urgent need for modernizing outdated systems to enhance cybersecurity. Charles Weaver emphasizes the significant role Manag...

The Bright Future of MSPs in 2025

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

n this episode, we dive into the current state and future outlook of Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Our discussion highlights the strong optimism f...

Will CMMC Be Relevant for MSPs in the Future?

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This conversation delves into the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and its implications for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Charles...

The Origins of Managed Services

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Summary In this conversation, Charles and Mike Backers delve into the evolution of the Managed Services Provider (MSP) industry, exploring its origin...

Political Winds are Changing for MSPs

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Summary In this conversation, Charles discusses the shifting political landscape affecting Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and the evolving cybersec...

Why MSPs Must Engage with AI Now

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Charles Weaver and Sam Blowes discuss the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). The...

Regulation from the MSP Point of View

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Charles Weaver and Hannah Finley delve into the complexities of MSP regulation and compliance, exploring the role of compliance ...

Building a Better MSP: Strategies for Success

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Michael George, an experienced leader known for guiding companies through significant growth, has been named the new CEO of Syncro. With a well-establ...

Do We Have an MSP Shortage?

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Charles Weaver explores the question of how many Managed Service Providers (MSPs) exist globally. He emphasizes the importance o...

MSPs Making a Difference During Cybersecurity Awareness Month | Ep 298

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Summary In this conversation, Charles Weaver emphasizes the significance of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and outlines three actionable step...

Is the Break/Fix Model Damaging the Managed Services Profession? | Ep 297

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The episode discusses an article claiming that many customers want to leave their MSPs, but is this accurate? The MSP Zone identifies five key points ...

The MSP Effort to Win the Cyber War | Ep 296

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For over 4 decades, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have been instrumental in providing security solutions, yet the cyber threat landscape continues ...

Government Recognition of MSPs in Cybersecurity | Ep 295

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Summary In this episode, Charles Weaver discusses three significant shifts in public policy towards the MSP community. The first shift is an awakenin...

CrowdStrike Lessons Learned: Stricter Testing and Human Verification

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Summary A software update by CrowdStrike caused a blue screen of death on 8.5 million Windows machines, leading to widespread flight cancellations an...

Defining the Duty of Care for MSPs - Ep 293

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The conversation discusses a legal case involving an IT provider and a law firm client, highlighting the importance of written agreements in the MSP i...

The Role of MSPs in Achieving Cyber Hygiene

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The conversation discusses the concept of managed services immunity as a solution to the cyber pandemic. It explores how legislative bodies, like the ...

Private Equity Impact on Managed Services - Ep 291

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry has seen significant changes since 2010, marked by a trend towards Private Equity (PE) expansion, growth, ...

An Interview with Chris Massey of N-able

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Massey's journey in the IT field is a testament to the dynamic nature of the managed services industry. Starting as an internal IT professional,...

A Discussion with John Street of Pax8

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John Street's contributions to the managed services professional community have been significant and long-lasting. His entrepreneurial journey began w...

Data Protection - The Crown Jewel of MSPs

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you are an MSP, chances are you protect, monitor, and manage client data all the time. But the rules around data have changed significantly. Previo...

Reactive IT or Managed Services: Which Makes More Cents?

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Transitioning from a traditional IT model to a managed service provider (MSP) model is a significant change that involves a strategic overhaul of busi...

State and Local Governments Need MSPs

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

State and local governments are under attack like never before. Drive by cyber-attacks are crippling already overwhelmed governments and creating unne...

Documentation: The Secret to MSP Success

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I commonly get questions related to MSP documentation. When is a good time to start? I only need documentation for when I get certified, right? I'...

FUD in Managed Services - Ep 283

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

FUD: what does it mean? Should you use it in your MSP practice? And, is there a risk to using FUD style tactics? Fear uncertainty and doubt, otherw...

Interview with Niraj Tolia, CEO of Alcion

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Niraj Tolia, CEO of Alcion, enters the MSP Zone. The deployment of AI in MSP backup tools addresses several critical challenges in the managed servic...

Consultants who think they are MSPs - Ep 281

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the evolving landscape of IT services, the distinction between Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and other IT service models, like break/fix or secu...

What End-Users Really Think about MSPs

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I had the opportunity to play golf with an executive who shared some very insightful perspectives about risk, cyber insurance, and MSPs. The interacti...

Audit vs Audit Preparation: What MSPs Need to Know

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There is a lot of wiggle room when it comes to knowledge and implementation of compliance in a managed services environment. More precisely, MSPs must...

From Reactive to Proactive: A Simplified Model for Client Transformation

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For a lot of MSPs, trying to convert reactive (i.e., break/fix) clients into proactive (managed services) clients can be a struggle. No matter how har...

Does EBITDA Matter for MSPs?

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ep 276 - The term EBITDA is not something a lot of MSPs fullly understand or use regularly. As a financial tool, it is worth knowing how it is used an...

The Great MSP Reset

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recently, at the MSPAlliance Inspire meeting, I witnessed something I've never seen before, something I'm now calling the "great MSP rese...

Revenue Categorization: Why it Matters to MSPs

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of MSPs spend the majority of their time focused on revenue growth, and for good reason. If you're not growing, you're shrinking. But, n...

My advice for a growing MSP - Ep 274

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recently, one of our members reached out with some questions about how to achieve growth while simultaneously addressing a sizeable break/fix client b...

What's in store for MSPs in 2024

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of year again. Time to review the past year and look to the future and predict what is likely to happen.   The MSP world is changi...

Unmanaged vs Managed IT

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

MSPs vs Vendor Controlled Remote Access The FBI advisory to private sector industries was released and raises some interesting questions regarding MSP...

Can MSPs be more proactive? Ep 271

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The end of Ransomware? You may have seen some news lately about the US government working with other governments to ban ransomware payments. Well, I&#...

There is No Recession in Managed Services Ep 270

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There is no recession in managed services You may be watching the economic news out there and thinking to yourself, how will this impact my managed se...

Analysis of a Cyber Attack - Ep 269

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Managed Services Opportunities around CMMC Ep 268

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 co...

Poor MSP Growth May Not be Due to Lack of Sales Ep 267

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 yo...

MSP Zone Spotlight on Halo PSA - Ep 266

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 inn...

MSP Zone Spotlight - Travis Springer Ep 265

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Control Frameworks: Which is right for you? Ep 264

20 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Modern lead generation is a racket I receive a lot of "lead generation" cold calls and emails. When I say these solicitations are horribly bad, I am b...

Is MSP Growth Exaggerated? Ep 263

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

MSP Growth Exaggerated? Canalys is doing some great work in analyzing managed services. Long overdue. Disproportionate # of MSPs actually producing r...

MSPs Cautiously Optimistic about AI - Ep 262

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Out of the Box MSSPs This story came to us from one of our friends, Brent Watkins. At first, I thought it was a joke, but upon a second look, it wasn'...

SEC Adopts Cyber Disclosure Rule - Ep 261

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

SEC Adopts Cyber Disclosure Rule The securities and exchange commission recently made news with an announcement of their cybersecurity disclosure rule...

Is it better to be cyber secure or cyber resilient?

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is it better to be cyber secure or cyber resilient? If you think this is a trick question, it isn't. There are many who believe that security is solel...

Ep 259 - MSP Innovation: Why it matters

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 innov...

Ep 258 - The MSP Generation Divide

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The MSP Generation Divide Time changes everything. That certainly seems like an appropriate saying when examining the managed services profession. MSP...

Ep 257: What do PE Firms Want from MSPs?

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What do PE Firms Want from MSPs? For the last several years MSPs have been courted by private equity firms desperate to enter the managed services spa...

Accounting Firms and MSPs, Master Cyber Providers, and MSP Pricing Reality Check

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are Accounting Firms Squeezing MSPs? Misunderstanding MSPs in the larger IT channel discussion Why are accounting firms getting into managed services?...

Ep 255: Internal IT vs MSP; MSP Market is still growing; Does size matter in managed services?

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Internal IT vs MSP Can an MSP do everything an internal IT department can? That is the quintessential question the world has been asking for 30 years....

Ep 254 N-able CEO Advises MSPs on Upcoming Challenges; MDS vs MSP; Tightening Credit Markets Create Choices for MSP Channel

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Ep 253: Can MSPs Guarantee Compliance; Converting Reactive Clients to Proactive; Should MSPs Get Involved with Customer Policies

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can MSPs "Guarantee" Compliance? It's no secret that many MSPs are helping clients deal with compliance issues. Whether this is gathering evidence for...

Ep 252: Don’t Rely (too much) on Cyber Insurance; MSP Economics Update for Q2; Should MSPs Represent Themselves During M&A Deals?

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Weaver Outrage Meter: Low Don't Rely (too much) on Cyber Insurance Barracuda surveyed 400 enterprise IT and security professionals globally, ranging ...

AI Ethics in Managed Services, Compliance Reporting, and Making Peace with Cyber Consultants

06 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Weaver Outrage Meter: Low   AI Ethics in Managed Services You heard correctly. Ethics in artificial intelligence. This is going to be a big issue mov...

Cyber Consultants at it again; managing remote MSP workers; compliance isn’t security

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Weaver Outrage Meter: Low   Cyber Consultants at it Again We have been coming across a unique brand of marketing and website design company lately; y...

Ep 249 Q1 MSP report card; Cyber consultants continued; AI vs Automation

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Weaver Outrage Meter: Low We have officially wrapped up Q1 2023 and its time to evaluate how the managed services profession did  and what the outloo...

Ep 248 - North Dakota mandates cyber education; MSP recession planning; CaaS dangers MSPs should avoid

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Weaver Outrage Meter: Low   North Dakota Announces Mandatory Cybersecurity Education   North Dakota just announced a new educational mandate for gra...

Continuous Compliance, Tech industry isn’t ruining the economy, and Perils of Mislabeling your Services

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Weaver Outrage Meter: Low   What is continuous compliance? Sound like a headache? It isn’t. Continuous compliance is where the managed services pro...