MSP Update: Inside Fulcrum IT’s M&A Approach, Plus TruPeer Evolve Debuts

Each week MSSP Alert takes a tour of our affiliate site ChannelE2E to bring you news and insights around key issues for MSPs including cybersecurity, AI, partner programs, mergers and acquisitions and MSP tools.

This week we’ve got news about TD Synnex’s new program designed just for MSPs and helping them grow. We’ve also got news about Gary Pica’s TruMethods MSP peer group introducing a new offering especially for the needs of small MSPs. We also take a look at the importance of data governance when it comes to cybersecurity for MSP customers. Plus we’ve got another entry in our ongoing series about MSP platform companies. This time we’re taking a deep dive with Fulcrum IT.

Check out all the stories below.

How TD Synnex MSP Evolve Targets Partner Growth

Big technology companies and distributors are paying more attention to managed service providers in the last few years. It may be because they recognize that many different kinds of channel partners have managed services revenue streams. Or it could be because the MSP market continues to grow. So it's not surprising to see more vendor and distributor programs cropping up to serve the specific needs of MSPs. TD Synnex launched its MSP Evolve program in May to help MSPs grow.

According to TD Synnex’s 2023 Direction of Technology MSP Special Report, 80% of MSPs are focused on growing their business by expanding their technology and solution offerings, especially in high-growth technologies, such as cloud, security, data analytics and AI and entering new industry verticals.

The MSP Evolve program aggregates TD Synnex's resources and tools and puts them to work accelerating business growth for MSPs. The program is currently available for North American MSPs.

MSP Evolve was developed based on feedback from MSPs who wanted to take advantage of resources available within TD Synnex but didn’t know where to start, said Meredith Payne, senior director, cloud, at TD Synnex.

Read the complete story here.

TruMethods Debuts Peer Group for Small MSPs

What do successful managed service providers (MSPs) do that the rest of the pack doesn’t do? There are any number of best practices to choose from, but it can be challenging to know the most important ones to prioritize to move the needle.

That question is probably even more important for new and small MSPs – those between one and five employees. These MSPs make up 70% to 80% of the market, according to TruMethods founder Gary Pica.

One sure thing that many successful MSPs have in common is that they belong to a peer group.

Now TruMethods, the organization founded by industry icon Gary Pica and acquired by Kaseya’s IT Glue, is rolling out a version of its peer group organization especially tailored to the needs of the newest and smallest MSPs.

Read the complete story here.

For MSPs, Effective Cybersecurity Must Include Data Governance

While many MSPs are just beginning to explore the business opportunities around cybersecurity, the need for data governance has actually been an issue for years, if not decades.

“There’s always been a focus on data governance – ever since systems and applications took to the mainstream to help organizations run their businesses,” David Washo, client services partner at digital transformation consultancy AHEAD, told ChannelE2E. “Whether or not organizations knew at the time to call it ‘data governance’ or information management or data management, organizations have always known that taking care of one’s data is an integral part of business operations.”  

Effective data governance is a critical part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. It ensures that data is consistent and trustworthy and doesn't get misused. It's increasingly critical as organizations face expanding data privacy regulations and rely more and more on data analytics to help optimize operations and drive business decision-making.

Data governance is a core component of an overall data management strategy. But organizations need to focus on the expected business benefits of a governance program for it to be successful. Washo said that recently, with the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools and technologies, there has been a rekindled interest in data governance capabilities.

Read the complete story here.

Fulcrum IT M&A Approach: MSPs Keep Branding, Operational Independence

The managed services provider (MSP) sector is undergoing rapid consolidation, driven by both private equity investments and acquisitions by industry players. The allure of recurring revenue models and constant demand for sophisticated IT solutions has kept the volume of mergers and acquisitions high. As a result, numerous platform MSPs have emerged, each employing unique strategies to expand their services and geographic reach.

ChannelE2E's ongoing series examines how these platform MSPs amplify their services, expand geographic reach, enhance their talent pools, and boost earnings through strategic acquisitions. 

Amid this competitive landscape, Fulcrum IT distinguishes itself with a unique acquisition approach that emphasizes long-term partnerships, strategic alignment and collaborative innovation.
Unlike some of its competitors, Fulcrum IT allows the companies it acquires to retain their branding and operational independence. This method fosters an environment where innovation and expansion are key, according to company executives. 

Read the full story here.

Deadline Extended! Submit Your Top 250 Public Cloud MSP Survey Today

Are you a public cloud MSP who works with Microsoft, Google, AWS or any other public cloud provider. It’s time to stand up and get recognized. It’s not too late!

ChannelE2E is extending the deadline to participate in this year’s Top 250 Public Cloud MSPs list. We’re moving this year’s deadline to July 15 to give newcomers and our returning service providers plenty of time to gather their information and participate in this year’s survey. Here’s the survey link.

When you participate in our ranked list of Public Cloud MSPs you get the opportunity to see your company get the credit for the hard work it has put in to become a premiere service provider for public cloud. Here are some of the benefits.

Read the full story here.