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ConnectWise Strengthens MSP Support and Honors PitchIT Champion
IT industry powerhouse unveils major product enhancements in cybersecurity and PSA — and names Senteon PitchIT winner — during IT Nation Connect 2024 in Orlando.
- ConnectWise Introduces PSA in Asio, revolutionizing the partner experience with a modern, intuitive PSA experience. This brings a unified user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) to ConnectWise PSA, reducing the time spent moving between solutions and making issue resolution faster and easier.
- Key quote from the press release:
“By offering a modern PSA experience along with RMM within the Asio platform, we are providing partners with a powerful tool to streamline their operations and drive efficiency.” — Jake Varghese, executive vice president and GM, business management, ConnectWise
- ConnectWise Empowers MSPs to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Data Protection with Groundbreaking Innovations
- ConnectWise Security360, a next-gen cybersecurity solution focused on attack surface management (ASM), was made available to all partners beginning Nov. 6.
- ConnectWise MDR for Microsoft 365 expanded coverage beyond Microsoft Defender for Office 365 to Microsoft Defender for Identity and Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps.
- The latest update to ConnectWise Co-Managed Backup — which streamlines third-party data protection solutions — enables any partner to co-manage backup solutions through the Asio platform.
- Key quote from the press release:
“The product innovations announced today reflect our ongoing dedication to equipping our partners with unique solutions that simplify daily operations, unify security and data protection technologies, and enhance team productivity.” — Ameer Karim, executive vice president and GM of cybersecurity, ConnectWise
- Senteon Named Champion of PitchIT Competition at IT Nation Connect 2024, capturing the $70,000 grand prize. The runner up was PC Powersave, showcasing a unique approach to computer energy consumption, which earned the $30,000 prize.
- Key quote from the press release:
“They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, but with Senteon, we harden default settings in a single click. Winning this competition lets us keep battling the vulnerabilities that Microsoft defaults leave behind. We’re not just fixing mistakes, we’re creating a strong security foundation!” — Zach Kromkowski, chief revenue officer, Senteon
Ingram Micro Reveals Upgrades to Xvantage Platform
Hyperscaler marketplaces, loyalty program to offer more opportunities for its channel partner community.
- Ingram Micro Announces Seamless Integration of Hyperscaler Marketplaces into Xvantage Digital Experience Platform
- The move will open new markets and further simplify the go-to-market strategies, sales, and management of solutions for its channel partner community.
- Ingram Micro customers in the U.S. can now access the AWS Marketplace via Xvantage, with other markets planned to come online in the months ahead.
- Key quote from the press release:
“Integrating hyperscaler marketplaces into our Xvantage platform is part of our strategic vision to create a frictionless experience for everyone growing their business with and through Ingram Micro by empowering them with technology that allows them to connect digitally customers that leverage hyperscaler marketplaces. With the continued advancements of Xvantage, Ingram Micro is redefining the distribution landscape—bringing the best of human and digital intelligence together in a single and sophisticated ‘platform of platforms.’” — Sanjib Sahoo, EVP, Global Technology and CDO, Ingram Micro
- Introducing Ingram Micro Ultra, An AI-powered Loyalty Program Driving Business and Technology Success through the Ingram Micro Xvantage Platform
- The new three-tiered, points-based program will offer a series of technology-specific and solutions-focused growth tracks.
- Developed in-house, Ingram Micro Ultra offers the distributor’s customers and vendors anytime access to personalized business intelligence that centralizes all their activities with Ingram Micro.
- Key quote from the press release:
“Launching Ingram Micro Ultra marks another milestone in our journey to become aggressively digital while remaining amazingly human. Our Xvantage platform combined with our new Ultra program will change the landscape of partner programs, making them far more relevant, real-time, and results-driven for those channel partners and vendors engaged and growing with Ingram Micro.” — Jennifer Anaya, senior vice president, global marketing, Ingram Micro
SonicWall Unveils TZ80: Empowering Service Providers to Deliver Comprehensive Security, Remote Access and Networking Solutions for Branch Offices and SOHO
New integrated cybersecurity platform with the TZ80 is at the core of the market’s next-gen soho solution.
Key features from the press release:
- Combines performance and price and provides industry leading networking and security capabilities, with advanced threat protection at a low total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Ideal for branch offices with remote workers, small office/home office (SOHO) environments, IoT, and businesses with small form-factor requirements
- Best-in-class firewall platform features built-in integration with cloud-native zero trust network access (ZTNA) and VPN as a service (VPNaaS) for hybrid environments
- Backed by world-class technical support, available firewall management and network monitoring, and an industry-first cyber threat warranty
SonicWall’s TZ80 is a subscription-based device designed for service providers and VARs.
ChannelPro: How does this news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“The SonicWall TZ80 is so much more than just connecting safely to the internet; It represents a significant leap forward in delivering scalable, and integrated security solutions via our MSPs for branch offices and SOHO environments. It connects our partners and their customers to a platform of services and solutions that protect them whenever and wherever they do business.” — Bob VanKirk, CEO and president, SonicWall
Sale of CompTIA’s Certification Business Allows Greater Focus on IT Channel Membership and Expanded Charitable Giving
Transformation, growth and greater charitable impact made possible by new endowment.
Key facts from the press release:
- On Nov. 4, H.I.G. Capital and Thoma Bravo revealed they signed an agreement to acquire the brand, leading IT certification and training business, and products of the CompTIA.
- The 501(c)(6) membership-based nonprofit association will continue to serve the IT channel and be governed by the same volunteer board of directors.
- The association’s annual budget, previously supported by certification and training sales revenue, will instead be derived from the investment income generated each year by a significant endowment from the sale proceeds. This funding model is similar to how many universities and nonprofits operate.
>RELATED: Read how channel experts reacted to the news of the acquisition.<<<
Moovila and MSP+ Partner to Bring Critical Project Management Education to the MSP Community
The collaboration will deliver crucial project management education and resources to MSP+’s extensive network of MSPs, addressing a significant gap in professional services leadership.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Moovila will provide free educational content on project management to MSP+’s community of over 30,000 IT companies and internal IT departments, addressing a critical gap in available resources.
- MSP+ members will have access to educational webinars developed in collaboration with Moovila, offering valuable insights into project management best practices and other relevant topics.
- Moovila’s expertise will help MSPs streamline project workflows, reduce complexity, and improve operations efficiency, aligning with the most commonly used PSA and RMM solutions.
ChannelPro: How does this news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“As many people know, MSP+ is about helping grow, scale, and improve the margins of MSPs. … It saw a real need across the community and said, ‘We think this makes a lot of sense to make this part of how we can help improve businesses and their margins.’ We went down that path and [decided to] deliver this optimization automation to the market. We’re excited to be working with [MSP+’s Adam and Nicole Bielanski] on this … [to bring] better efficiency, better margins, and growth.” — Mike Psenka, CEO, Moovila
NEW GUARDZ STUDY: 77% of MSPs Juggle as Many as 10 Cybersecurity Point Solutions to Protect their SMB Customers
These findings were uncovered by a new Guardz survey of US-based MSPs providing IT and cybersecurity services to multiple SMB customers.
Key stats from the press release:
- 65% of MSPs are juggling between four to nine different cybersecurity point solutions to protect their SMB customers. Plus, 12% use 10 or more.
- 60% reported that keeping up with the evolving threat landscape is their biggest challenge in securing SMBs
- 42% reported that implementing advanced threat detection technologies is also a major challenge
Malwarebytes Acquires AzireVPN to Strengthen Security and Privacy Offerings
New technology and team will fuel additional VPN features and functionalities
Key facts from the press release:
- The acquisition further supports Malwarebytes’ mission to reimagine consumer cybersecurity to protect devices and data no matter where users are located, how they work and play, or the size of their wallet.
- By integrating AzireVPN’s advanced VPN technologies and intellectual property into its platform, Malwarebytes will deliver increased flexibility and enhanced security for customers.
- AzireVPN developed Blind Operator, a unique privacy feature implemented to completely disable both remote and local access to its servers. This creates a barrier against unauthorized modifications and traffic interception, making it virtually impossible for anyone to modify or tap the traffic on its servers and share any information about a user.
Read more in the Malwarebytes blog.
AppOmni and Cisco Partner to Extend SaaS Security with End-to-end Zero Trust from Endpoint to the Application
Cisco selects AppOmni to join its Global Price List as part of its SolutionsPlus Program for easy procurement by global customers and resellers.
Key quote from the press release:
“Cisco is one of the world’s great companies, and this partnership gives us a new level of access to a massive, worldwide customer base. Just as Cisco Security Service Edge offers users an exceptional user experience and protected access from any device to anywhere, AppOmni’s Zero Trust Posture Management capabilities close critical gaps at the application level, such as misconfigurations in access controls, unchecked privileges, data leaks, and overlooked third-party integrations.” — Brian Soby, co-founder and chief technology officer, AppOmni
SuperOps Launches Monica: The Hyper-contextual AI Super Companion for MSP Growth
The AI Super Companion boosts MSP efficiency with personalized, data-driven insights.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Savings of up to $650 per week for an MSP by optimizing work processes and reducing inefficiencies.
- 10x improvement in client efficiency, making service delivery more streamlined and profitable.
- 97% reduction in time spent on worklog entries, giving technicians more time to focus on solving client issues rather than administrative tasks.
ChannelPro: How does this news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“Monica is a game changer for MSPs, especially those serving the vital SMB sector in the U.S. At SuperOps, we strive to empower MSPs with technology that truly makes a difference, and Monica embodies that goal. She goes beyond basic analytics to function as a true strategic advisor, helping MSPs serving SMBs understand what’s working, pinpoint areas for improvement, and uncover new growth opportunities.” — Arvind Parthiban, CEO and co-founder, SuperOps
Cayosoft Launches Unprecedented Channel Program with Guaranteed Financial Benefits
As part of its partner-first strategy, the Cayosoft ADvantage Partner Program is designed to deliver guaranteed financial rewards and profitability that surpasses industry standards by more than threefold.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Cayosoft guarantees profit no matter the selling price
- Incumbency protection and enablement to help partners deliver advisory and technical services
- Offers a single, unified platform for management, monitoring, and recovery that supports all on-premises and cloud Microsoft environments, including Microsoft Active Directory (AD) — a core identity management system used by more than 95% of large organizations worldwide
ChannelPro: How does this news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“The precedent-setting model the ADvantage Partner Program is built on ensures that small and large partners are equally treated and protected the same as larger national, multi-national Cayosoft partners. That means the smaller partner organizations servicing small and mid-size businesses can compete with the bigger guys and win based solely on the value they bring. They will not be priced out of opportunities to win.” — Larry Kraft, senior vice president, global partnerships, Cayosoft
Illumio Expands Partner Program in Response to Rising Demand for Zero Trust Segmentation
Enhanced program enables partners to contain ransomware and breaches more effectively.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Described as “the original microsegmentation specialist” and a market leader by Forrester, Illumio was purpose-built to prevent attackers from moving laterally once they breach an organization.
- A comprehensive curriculum and complimentary hands-on training will make it easier to sell, implement and operate Illumio solutions.
- A new pricing program, price protection and a no-cost services enablement program reassure partners that they are investing in a winning opportunity with Illumio.
ChannelPro: How does this news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“Our commitment to MSPs is more than just providing training tools and marketing resources—it’s about empowering them to meet the demand of their customers and thrive in today’s competitive market. We are excited about this next phase of Illumio’s Enlighten Partner Program and the incremental and or complimentary growth opportunities it will provide our partners.” — Todd Palmer, senior vice president of global partner sales and alliances, Illumio
Featured image: iStock
