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Cisco Announces New Partner Program, Nearly $80M in Partner Skills Investment, and New Plug-and-Play AI Solutions
At its annual Partner Summit, Cisco debuted its revamped partner program, announced a major training investment in AI infrastructure and cybersecurity, and more.
- New Cisco 360 Partner Program is designed to accelerate the value partners bring to customers by better addressing rapidly evolving and complex needs—modernizing infrastructure, powering AI workloads anywhere, and keeping customers’ organizations secure, resilient, and high-performing.
- Near $80M skills investment into new partner initiatives will boost skills and provide the tools needed for partners to compete in the market.
- $60 million of that investment will support qualified partners with benefits including all-access Cisco U subscriptions for skill development and certification.
- An additional $18 million will fund quarterly training events for all partners, focusing on AI, security, and networking through self-paced learning, hands-on labs, and continuing education credits.
- Cisco’s new AI infrastructure solutions, including plug-and-play AI PODs and GPU-powered servers, provide an accessible path to AI adoption without the high costs and complexities typically associated with artificial intelligence. These advancements empower MSPs to deliver scalable, industry-specific AI solutions, helping their SMB clients stay competitive and accelerate their own AI initiatives.
Kaseya Continues Driving MSP Profitability and Efficiency with Launch of Kaseya 365 User at DattoCon Miami
Company includes newly acquired SaaS Alerts’ innovative technology in new subscription.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Stronger Security Capabilities: Kaseya 365 User empowers MSPs with real-time monitoring and response for user identity and SaaS application threats, leveraging SaaS Alerts for comprehensive protection against internal and external risks.
- Profitability Boost Through Automation: AI-powered automation in Kaseya 365 User streamlines service delivery, reducing costs and improving MSPs’ unit economics, allowing them to offer more value at competitive prices.
- Competitive Edge with Full-Service Offering: Paired with Kaseya 365 Endpoint, MSPs can provide a comprehensive, affordable security solution, enhancing their appeal and retention in the SMB market.
ChannelPro: How does this tech news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“By bringing SaaS Alerts into the Kaseya family, we’re able to dedicate even more to making our MSP partners successful. As part of Kaseya 365 User, SaaS Alerts will provide MSPs of every size with critical Cloud Detection and Response capabilities allowing them to better protect their customers while increasing their recurring revenue. Together with Kaseya, we’re committed to helping MSPs keep pace with all the ways that a user’s security could be threatened.” — Jim Lippie, CEO, SaaS Alerts
>>>LEARN MORE: Kaseya Acquires SaaS Alerts, Integrates Functionality Into New ‘Kaseya 365 User’<<<
Compliance Scorecard Joins CompTIA Cybersecurity Trustmark Program
The partnership aims to bolster MSPs’ ability to protect sensitive data and mitigate cyber threats through a globally recognized standard in cybersecurity.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Streamlined Compliance Management: Compliance Scorecard simplifies the management of CompTIA Trustmark Assurance with documentation, tracking, and reporting processes. This reduces the burden of compliance and saves time for MSPs.
- Competitive Differentiation: In a crowded market, the CompTIA Cybersecurity Trustmark sets MSPs apart, especially when managed efficiently through Compliance Scorecard. This combination becomes a key differentiator, particularly when engaging with clients in regulated industries.
- Risk Management and Reporting: The platform performs risk management functions, helping MSPs meet Trustmark’s high standards. Its Risk Register and customizable reporting tools enable MSPs to monitor compliance risks and generate reports for stakeholders seamlessly.
- Alignment with Best Practices: Compliance Scorecard’s features, such as Policy Scorecards and Compliance Assessments, ensure that MSPs align their processes with the best practices required for the CompTIA Trustmark, streamlining workflows and enhancing consistency.
- Efficient Evidence Collection and Audit Preparation: Compliance Scorecard integrates tools including Microsoft Intune, RMM/PSA tools, and MS365 Ecosystem to securely store and manage compliance evidence. This simplifies audits and ensures MSPs can quickly respond to compliance inquiries.
Malwarebytes Accelerates MDR Momentum with Enhanced Case Management and Reporting Innovations
New capabilities will enhance ease of use and strengthen ROI for managed detection & response (MDR) customers.
Key capabilities from the press release:
- New Case Management Features Streamline Ease of Use: Customers are now able to access MDR and Managed Threat Hunting (MTH) cases directly within the Nebula and OneView platforms, eliminating the need to switch between consoles. This enhancement provides a streamlined user experience, reducing the number of steps required to manage cases and improving case resolution times. As a result, customers reported a 50% reduction in steps needed to receive and act on cases.
- Enhanced Monthly Report Delivery Reduces Alert Fatigue: Monthly reports will now be delivered directly to customers’ inboxes, simplifying the process of receiving and reviewing critical service information. By removing the need to navigate through the console for reports, customers can respond to threats more quickly, to reduce dwell times and optimize security.
ChannelPro: How does this tech news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“These new case management and reporting features represent a major leap forward in simplifying cybersecurity operations for IT professionals. By integrating MDR and Managed Threat Hunting cases directly into Nebula and OneView, we’re eliminating the need for platform-switching and drastically reducing the steps required for effective threat management. With monthly reports delivered directly to inboxes, IT teams can focus on the most critical insights without the distraction of excessive alerts.”— Brian Kane, senior director of global channels, Malwarebytes
SecureCyber Enhances MXDR Platform with FS-ISAC Integration, Delivers Real-time, Actionable Threat Intelligence for the Financial Sector
These enhancements significantly increase the company’s ability to detect, analyze, and respond to the financial industry’s emerging cyber threats.
Key features from the press release:
- Automated Ingestion of STIX-formatted Data: Enables fast, reliable access to critical threat intelligence from FS-ISAC’s TAXII server.
- Unified Threat Intelligence View: Aggregates and parses multiple data feeds for a comprehensive perspective across sources.
- Advanced Threat Correlation: Links data to known malware families and threat actors, uncovering deeper insights into emerging threats.
- Contextual Alert Enrichment: Enhances alerts with detailed threat data, allowing for quicker identification and prioritization of threats.
ChannelPro: How does this tech news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“The FS-ISAC integration would largely benefit small and midsized MSPs who utilize our platform as their cybersecurity provider, specifically those companies that support financial institutions like banks, credit unions, broker-dealers, and registered investment advisors. This is specific intelligence that is ingested into our platform and threat hunted against our clients.”— Shawn Waldman, founder and CEO, SecureCyber
AlarMax Debuts E-commerce Platform
The new website empowers AlarMax partners with streamlined access to products, real-time inventory and seamless support for business growth.
Key features of the new site:
- 24/7 Access: Customers can log in anytime to browse and compare products, place orders for pickup or delivery, view order history, and more.
- Integrated CRM: Customers can manage their inventory and purchasing decisions while syncing their profiles, order histories, and preferences for a personalized shopping experience.
- Real-time Inventory Reporting: The platform reports real-time inventory data for all physical store locations, offering up-to-date product availability and pricing information. Branches will also leverage platform data to optimize inventory by location, offer targeted promotions, and incentivize repeat business.
- In-platform Support: AlarMax customers can access the platform’s user guides and training resources on-demand, streamlining the support experience. The platform will also be the new home of AlarMax Academy technical and product webinars.
- Secure, PCI-compliant Payments: Robust security measures, including SSL encryption and regular audits, ensure data protection and privacy compliance under GDPR and CCPA.
- Mobile-friendly Interface: Customers shop effortlessly across devices and efficiently manage their orders — whether on desktop or mobile — ensuring a streamlined experience.
ChannelPro: How does this tech news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“AlarMax is on a mission to make it easier for businesses of all sizes to get the products and support they need — wherever they are now and as they grow. With our new platform, ordering becomes simple, operations run more smoothly, and our partners are better equipped to serve their clients. We’re ready to empower their growth and stand by them every step of the way.” — Randy Hall, president, AlarMax
The ASCII Group and Ring Collaborate to Expand Security Offerings for MSP Members
Community members now can access Ring’s comprehensive security product lineup, new revenue streams, and expanded service offerings.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Expanded Security Solutions: Access to Ring’s products, like cameras and smart lighting, enables MSPs to meet both physical and virtual security needs for SMB clients across industries.
- Revenue Opportunities: This collaboration opens new avenues for recurring revenue by integrating Ring’s security offerings into managed services portfolios.
- Tailored Support for Key Sectors: Industries such as retail, property management, and franchising benefit from Ring’s flexible and reliable solutions. MSPs can customize these for clients.
NEW ISC2 STUDY: AI Viewed as Catalyst for Career Growth, Stronger Security Despite Slowing Growth in Cybersecurity Workforce
Job satisfaction declines amid tightening job market, ongoing staffing and skills shortages, and challenging threat environment.
Key stats from the press release and report:
- Nearly 90% of professionals said their organizations have a generative AI (GenAI) use policy, but 65% said their organizations need to implement more regulations on its safe usage.
- Only 60% of respondents reported their cybersecurity teams are involved in creating regulations and guidelines for GenAI.
- Lack of a clear GenAI strategy was cited as a top barrier to its organizational adoption by nearly half (45%) of all participants.
ChannelPro: How does this tech news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“SMBs face significant cyber risks, often lacking the resources available to larger enterprises. They rely on MSPs for tools and resources to mitigate these threats…understanding AI’s impact on the workforce, skill shortages, and cybersecurity tools will be vital for MSPs to support SMBs effectively.” — Jon France, CISO, ISC2
NEW TEAMVIEWER STUDY: AI Hype is Over as Business Leaders Shift to Tangible Results
In sync with the bullish results, TeamViewer adds AI-powered summaries and analytics to remote connectivity solution, designed to boost efficiency and streamline IT operations.
Key stats from the report:
- Trust in AI: 50% of U.S. business leaders trust AI to act on business forecasts and make business decisions. Plus, 42% trust AI to make decisions without human oversight.
- Security: 75% of U.S. business leaders are concerned about data management in the use of AI. Also, 67% would consider banning the use of AI outside of the IT team.
- Career Advancement: 75% of U.S. business leaders said AI is a key skill to enhance their career. In addition, 73% said AI helped them to learn new skills they otherwise would not have.
- The Great Equalizer: 72% of U.S. business leaders said AI can help create equal job opportunities for parents and caregivers. And, 79% said AI can help increase accessibility in the workplace.
>>>LEARN MORE: TeamViewer also launched new AI-powered features for smarter remote support and faster decision-making this week.<<<
HP Equips Partners for the AI Era with New Amplify AI Program
New program accelerates partners’ ability to drive customer AI adoption with innovative tools.
Key announcements from the press release:
- HP’s persona-based Amplify AI program introduces advanced AI-powered tools to enhance sales, partner, and customer experiences.
- It provides greater global access to AI MasterClass training with localized content.
- The move expands HP Business Partner Program globally to engage broader partner ecosystem.
ChannelPro: How does this tech news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“HP Amplify AI equips partners with customizable tools, training, and resources to drive competitive AI solutions. Our advanced AI-powered tools enhance the sales and customer experience, while the expanded AI MasterClass provides global upskilling. The HP Business Partner Program offers accreditation, visibility, and streamlined processes, positioning partners for long-term success.” — Mary Beth Walker, VP & head of global channel strategy, HP
Blancco Autopilot Detection Automatically IDs End-of-life IT Assets at Risk of Data Reloading
Blancco Autopilot Detection is the only enterprise-scale offering that identifies devices enrolled in unified endpoint management.
Practical applications from the press release:
- Automated Security: Autopilot Detection flags UEM-enrolled devices automatically for isolation, preventing data sync and boosting security for ITADs.
- Compliance and Reporting: Ensures regulation-compliant data sanitization with audit-ready reports stored in the Blancco Management Portal.
- Time and Error Reduction: Reduces manual steps and human error, enabling efficient, scalable processing for secure asset resale.
Pia-TimeZest Integration Empowers MSPs to Slash Ticket Resolution Time and Eliminate Scheduling Hassles
New integration streamlines meeting coordination within the help desk workflow, allowing technicians to focus on critical tasks and improving client satisfaction.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Faster Ticket Resolution: MSPs can quickly recognize when a meeting is necessary and schedule it early in the ticket lifecycle. This reduces delays.
- Improved Technician Efficiency: Technicians spend less time coordinating meetings and more time resolving issues. They can engage in client-facing calls only when truly necessary.
- Enhanced Client Satisfaction: Clients experience quicker responses and smoother service, thanks to streamlined communication and scheduling.
- Seamless Workflow Integration: TimeZest integrates with leading PSA tools like ConnectWise Manage, Autotask, and HaloPSA. This ensures smooth transitions without leaving the ticketing environment.
Fortinet Delivers AI-enhanced Data Protection and Insider Risk Management
FortiDLP’s unified approach offers the ability to anticipate and prevent data loss across cloud deployments, applications, and managed and unmanaged devices.
Key features from the press release:
- Shadow AI Data Protection: FortiDLP secures GenAI tools use, alerting employees on data handling.
- Day 1 Data Visibility and Protection: Provides instant data movement visibility with built-in endpoint policies
- Insider Risk Protection: Monitors and restricts insider activities to prevent data leaks
- SaaS Application Data Protection: Tracks cloud interactions and unauthorized app use
- Origin-based Data Protection: Flags risky data flows from endpoints and unmanaged devices
- Risk-informed User Education: Educates users with customized data protection alerts
- AI-powered Guidance: Uses FortiAI for contextual, risk-based incident insights
XM Cyber Revolutionizes Vulnerability Management with a Threat-led Approach to Prioritizing Remediation
XM Vulnerability Risk Management boosts prioritization with actual impact analysis.
Key capabilities from the press release:
- Prioritizing High-impact Risks: Contextualized views that allow prioritization based on various risk attributes and threat context, from exploit likelihood to business impact risk
- Validation of CVE Exploitability: Takes the guesswork out of risk analysis by correlating exploit kits and attack techniques to CVEs and validating their exploitability in the customer’s environment
- Mobilizes Remediation Efforts: Security teams are equipped with the justification, prioritization, and remediation guidance needed to accelerate closed-loop vulnerability patch management.
Bolster Unveils AI Security for Email: A Game-changing Defense Against Phishing and Impersonation Scams
New feature combines crowdsourced customer reports and AI-driven automation to protect brands from fraud schemes in real time.
Key capabilities from the press release:
- Automated Threat Mitigation Saves Time and Resources: Bolster’s solution handles threat management end-to-end by automating takedowns and reporting. This cuts down manual SOC tasks, saves MSPs time, and lowers costs.
- Scalable for High-volume Threats: Designed to process thousands of reports monthly, Bolster’s AI can manage surges in customer-reported phishing with no extra staff. This allows MSPs to scale efficiently
- Boosts Client Trust and Retention: Rapid threat resolution reassures clients, lowering churn risk and reinforcing proactive security, essential for customer satisfaction and retention
Featured image: iStock
