At ChannelPro, we’re always looking for ways to provide MSPs with the insights they need to make better business decisions. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Vendor Preference List—a brand-new resource built from real-world MSP feedback on the industry’s top vendors and distributors.
How the Vendor Preference List Works
We surveyed more than 200 senior leaders at managed services provider organizations at recent events, requesting feedback on 120 leading IT channel vendors and distributors across three critical categories:
- Partner Program & Support – How well does the vendor support MSPs, from onboarding to ongoing business growth?
- Solution Reliability – Does the vendor’s product consistently perform as promised?
- Peer Recommendation – Would you recommend this company to another MSP?
With this feedback, we’re creating a definitive list of trusted, reliable, and partner-friendly partners in the IT channel—based entirely on the experiences of MSPs who work with them every day. If you aren’t working with these organizations currently, we encourage you to give them a good look.
Best Partner Program & Support
The companies in this category have been recognized by MSPs for providing exceptional channel programs, training, and resources—helping their partners grow, troubleshoot issues quickly, and maximize profitability. When MSPs choose a vendor, they aren’t just buying a product; they’re investing in a relationship. These rankings reflect real-world experiences from fellow MSPs who understand how crucial it is to have a vendor that truly supports its partners.
- Pax8
- Datto (a Kaseya Company)
- ThreatLocker
- Dell
- APC by Schneider Electric
- Cisco Systems
- SonicWall
- Barracuda Networks
- Proofpoint
- Acronis
Top Solution Reliability
Downtime, security gaps, or performance issues can severely impact clients and damage an MSP’s reputation. The vendors ranked here have proven themselves in real-world deployments, delivering solutions that MSPs trust to be stable, secure, and effective. Your fellow MSPs have validated these companies as providers of dependable technology—because when an MSP selects a vendor, they need to know that it will work flawlessly every time.
- Pax8
- Datto (a Kaseya Company)
- Cisco Systems
- Dell
- ThreatLocker
- APC by Schneider Electric
- SonicWall
- Barracuda Networks
- Acronis
- AnyDesk
Most Recommended by MSPs
Peer-to-peer recommendations are the gold standard for evaluating vendors, and this category represents the absolute best of the best. These vendors earned the trust and endorsement of real MSPs who understand the challenges of the business. When making critical vendor decisions, there’s no better guide than the experiences of your fellow IT services providers.
- Microsoft
- Dell
- Datto (a Kaseya Company)
- Pax8
- D&H Distributing
- ConnectWise
- Cisco Systems
- ThreatLocker
- Lenovo
- Carbon Systems
Check out the top 50 vendors in each category now: Vendor Preference List
The Most Celebrated Vendors
The following vendors and distributors received top ten recognition in all three categories, speaking to the quality of both their solutions and support.
- Pax8 is a leading cloud distributor that simplifies how MSPs buy, sell, and manage cloud solutions. With a streamlined marketplace, automated provisioning, and strong partner support, Pax8 helps MSPs grow recurring revenue while enhancing efficiency.
- Datto (a Kaseya Company) provides MSPs with reliable backup, disaster recovery, and security solutions to protect client data and ensure business continuity. With a focus on automation, cybersecurity, and seamless integration, Datto helps MSPs safeguard and scale their services efficiently.
- ThreatLocker empowers MSPs with zero-trust security solutions, including application allowlisting, ringfencing, and storage control, to prevent cyber threats before they execute. Designed for simplicity and effectiveness, ThreatLocker helps MSPs strengthen client security while maintaining operational efficiency.
- Dell provides MSPs with reliable hardware, infrastructure, and security solutions to support business growth and efficiency. With a focus on performance, scalability, and trusted support, Dell helps MSPs deliver robust IT solutions to their clients.
- Cisco Systems equips MSPs with enterprise-grade networking, security, and collaboration solutions to enhance connectivity and protection. With a focus on innovation, scalability, and reliability, Cisco helps MSPs deliver secure and efficient IT services to their clients.
More Insights Coming Soon
The Vendor Preference List isn’t a one-off endeavor. Stay tuned as we continue gathering MSP feedback and refining this essential MSP resource.
Images: iStock
