EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW: Jeff Bishop of ConnectWise recently sat with ChannelPro Editor Anjali Fluker to discuss how its new Asio Platform transforms how MSPs do business.
MSPs face the constant challenge of juggling dozens of tools while striving to deliver streamlined, efficient services to their clients. Recognizing this, ConnectWise is doubling down on its Asio platform, a comprehensive, cloud-based architecture designed to simplify operations for MSPs.
Earlier this month, the IT solutions powerhouse made its ConnectWise PSA available in its fast-growing Asio Platform that was purpose-built for MSPs. This is yet another way ConnectWise seeks to transform how MSPs do business by empowering them to focus on service excellence.
“Asio is our go-forward architecture,” explained Jeff Bishop, ConnectWise executive vice president and GM of UMM (unified monitoring and management). “The intent of Asio is to help [MSPs] be more profitable, able to execute better, and just focus on their jobs.”
Simplifying the MSP Toolbox
Historically, ConnectWise managed 20 to 30 disparate products, often resulting in duplicated efforts and integration headaches for both the company and its partners. With Asio, ConnectWise centralized critical components like licensing, ticketing, and security. This eliminates the need for MSPs to map data across multiple tools and ensures seamless synchronization.
By combining these elements into a single platform, MSPs benefit from reduced operational complexity, fewer API breakages, and single-source data management. “Most MSPs have 20 to 30 products to try to keep them all in sync,” Bishop shared. “That’s just time-consuming work they shouldn’t have to do.”
Key Benefits of ConnectWise Asio Platform
- Unified Architecture: Centralizes tools like PSA, RMM, and security solutions into one platform.
- Seamless Migration: Integrates with existing APIs to avoid disruptions.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Automates workflows and repetitive tasks with AI and RPA tools.
- Advanced Security: Offers secure, temporary credential management and centralized access control.
- Scalable Ecosystem: Supports third-party integrations with tools like Pax8 Marketplace.
- Improved Profitability: Reduces operational burdens, enabling MSPs to focus on growth.
A Seamless Transition with Asio Essentials
A pain-free integration process is central to the Asio strategy. MSPs currently using ConnectWise’s PSA (professional services automation) can migrate to Asio without disruption.
ConnectWise also maintained the existing PSA APIs to ensure compatibility and minimized the need for partners to overhaul their systems, Bishop noted. “You can log into your current PSA and do your work or log into Asio. The data is still going to the same backend.”
This approach allows MSPs to adopt Asio at their own pace, choosing when to access new features like enhanced workflows, billing tools, or updated project management modules, he added.
Boosting Efficiency with Next-gen Automation and AI
Notably, the Asio platform’s automation and AI technologies are standout features. The ConnectWise Sidekick AI-powered assistant exemplifies this innovation. Sidekick, which Bishop called ConnectWise’s “version of Copilot,” can handle tasks from generating PowerShell and Python scripts to analyzing tickets. Sidekick reduces manual workloads and provides actionable insights for MSPs.
“It acts as an assistant and all the different products are starting to consume it,” Bishop emphasized. “I’m seeing the RPA team create workflows with it. The Screen Connect team is using it to analyze trials … AI is going to start to augment all of the platform. You’re going to see it pop up everywhere.”
Plus, the Asio platform also supports hyperautomation, allowing MSPs to build customized workflows via drag-and-drop designers. This enables service teams to automate repetitive tasks and achieve significant cost savings.
Security at the Core
ConnectWise has made security a top priority in Asio’s design. By centralizing access management, MSPs can avoid the common pitfalls of shared credentials and static passwords. Features like temporary on-demand credential creation enhance security while maintaining ease of access for technicians.
Jeff Bishop
Bishop highlighted the ConnectWise Security360 product, which leverages the Asio architecture to centralize and normalize data from multiple security tools. This unified dashboard helps MSPs address vulnerabilities, track patching history, and correlate threat data across their environments.
“It gives you a dashboard and a clean view to see all of it,” he said. “You can take information from a security awareness tool, an EDR vulnerability management, and our own RMM agent and patching history — and you can bring all that together.”
Ongoing Partner Feedback
Throughout Asio’s development, ConnectWise has collaborated with MSPs. This robust system includes advisory boards, cohort calls, and direct engagement. All this is to ensure that the platform addresses real-world needs.
“There’s no end to our engagement with MSPs,” Bishop revealed. “We love getting feedback. And they like giving it to us when we’re not doing something right and also the kudos when we get something done well.”
A Bright Future Ahead
ConnectWise has big plans for Asio, including aggressive expansion of its capabilities. It plans to integrate additional products like BrightGauge (business intelligence reporting) and ITBoost (documentation software), while factoring in AI and machine learning.
In addition, there’s room for more integration that will allow MSPs to access third-party tools seamlessly. Partnerships, such as the recent collaboration with the Pax8 Marketplace, will expand Asio’s ecosystem. “Our goal is to make the MSP community stronger,” Bishop said. “If they’re stronger, all of us do better.”
As ConnectWise innovates, the Asio platform is a cornerstone for MSP success, delivering on its mission to simplify, secure, and strengthen operations.
Ready to Transform Your MSP Operations? Discover how ConnectWise Asio’s evolving platform can streamline your workflows, enhance efficiency, and drive profitability. Visit ConnectWise.com/platform to learn more and schedule a demo today!
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