Looking for this week’s significant news headlines, industry research, and partner program announcements for small and midsized MSPs? Read on for more.
Dell Technologies Accelerates AI Innovation and Strengthens Cybersecurity Strategies for Microsoft Customers
Dell unveiled new offerings making it safer and more seamless to run AI workloads while fortifying cybersecurity strategies in Azure environments.
Key highlights from the press release:
- Dell APEX File Storage for Microsoft Azure is designed to deliver superior AI workload performance, scalability and data services with new Dell-managed option for simplified management and deployment.
- Dell services tailored for Microsoft environments help customers speed AI innovation and improve productivity.
- Dell APEX Protection Services for Microsoft Azure offers AI-powered, Dell-managed enterprise-class data protection and cyber resilience with improved resource usage using advanced data reduction capabilities.
- Dell advisory and managed services help Dell and Microsoft customers fortify their cybersecurity approach.
Dell Technologies also announced Dell AI Factory Advancements. Read more about that.
Kaseya Steps Up Its Backup Game for MSPs With Free Hardware for Datto SIRIS
Company also launches Backup Concierge Program and Next Gen Endpoint Backup.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Free Hardware for Datto SIRIS Appliances: MSPs can access Datto SIRIS S5-X and S5-X4 appliances with free hardware, even on month-to-month terms. This allows them to standardize their backup portfolios for increased efficiency and reduced risk.
- $10 Million Backup Concierge Program: This free program for Kaseya Datto backup customers provides a dedicated backup solution architect, marketing support for pricing and packaging, and ensures alignment on a unified backup platform to optimize profitability.
- Next Gen Endpoint Backup Enhancements: Expanded capabilities include centralized, policy-based management, smart scheduling with customer controls, and flexible restore options. It integrates seamlessly with MSP tools like IT Glue, PSAs, and RMMs, and offers a competitive price point for profitability.
- Focus on MSP Profitability: These initiatives, including free hardware and enhanced backup solutions, reinforce Kaseya’s commitment to reducing costs and increasing profitability for MSPs while supporting diverse client needs.
ChannelPro: How does this news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“These announcements are a testament to Kaseya and Datto’s mission to allow every MSP regardless of their size to not only eliminate data loss and downtime for their clients, but to do so in a way that is insanely profitable. We know backup is one of the most important services for an MSP, but it’s also one of the costliest and it can be difficult to sell the value to their clients. We’re doing everything in our power to knock down those barriers, solving the challenges both technically and commercially.” — Frank DeBenedetto, general manager, MSP Suite, Kaseya
CISCO 2024 AI READINESS INDEX: Urgency Rises, Readiness Falls
Second annual report by Cisco (Nasdaq: CSCO) shows the race to get AI right is on, with a critical focus on networking infrastructure.
Key stats from the press release:
- 98% report increased urgency to deliver on AI and 85% believe they have less than 18 months to act.
- Networks are not equipped to meet AI workloads; only 21% of companies report having the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands.
- Only 13% say they are fully ready to capture AI’s potential, down from 14% last year.
Microsoft Ignite 2024: Empowering Partners to Drive Growth and Innovation
The tech titan’s biggest customer and partner event of the year showcased the latest innovations, product updates, and breakthroughs across the business.
Key highlights from the blog entry by Nicole Dezen, chief partner officer and corporate vice president, global partner solutions:
- Upwards of 80 new products and features were introduced. This includes new capabilities in Microsoft 365 Copilot, additions to the Copilot + AI stack, and new Copilot+ devices offerings.
- The winners and finalists of the 2024 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards were celebrated. These honorees represented exceptional contributions and innovations from Microsoft’s global partners.
- Updates were introduced to the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, including the new Partner Center AI assistant (preview). This enhances the Partner Center experience with the power of genAI.
N-able Acquires Existing Strategic Partner Adlumin
Acquisition builds on successful partnership to fuel resilience across the full IT environment and strengthen the security posture of customers worldwide.
Acquisition adds cloud-native XDR and MDR capabilities to N-able’s end-to-end security and IT management platform.
Key benefits from the press release:
- A distinct experience for IT services providers, who through access to the XDR software and the MDR services get a unified view of their security operations with end-to-end detection, investigation, response, and resiliency.
- Coverage across the full IT environment, including the network, endpoint, identity, SaaS apps, and public cloud.
- An AI-powered engine with data models that delivers rapid alerts on suspicious activities, enabling more accurate threat identification and minimizing false positives.
TD SYNNEX REPORT: Partners of the Future Embrace Collaboration, Advanced Solutions and Infrastructure in North America
TD SYNNEX’s (NYSE: SNX) third annual Direction of Technology report shows opportunities in AI innovation, hardware investments, and strategic partnership.
Key stats from the press release:
- 86% of respondents reported successful AI deal closures in the past year, compared to 77% globally. While 14% of partners did reported they closed no AI deals in 2024, only 3% expect the same outcome next year.
- Percentage of partners who include hardware in their business mix doubled year over year, and 60% of respondents said they anticipate hardware resale to rise in the next three years.
- A quarter of respondents identified AI as a top revenue driver in 2024.
OpenText Makes Multicloud Work with Cloud Editions 24.4
Next-generation cloud, security, AI-integrated innovations unveiled at OpenText World 2024.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Business Cloud: Knowledge, combined with robust security, becomes a powerful competitive advantage for organizations navigating modern work environments and business ecosystems.
- Business AI: Data governance, compliance, and authentication are essential. OpenText Business AI solutions leverage generative AI to help businesses maximize the value of their intellectual property. By enabling AI-driven assistants across large private data sets, the right people have access to the right information seamlessly.
- Business Technology: As workloads increasingly shift to the cloud, connected data is both a prerequisite and an imperative. OpenText Business Technology solutions are designed to deliver enterprise-grade data platforms that can be deployed in any environment — private cloud, public cloud, or through APIs — ensuring flexibility and scalability for your customers.
Syncro Introduces Ticket Sentiment Analysis to Enhance MSP Customer Satisfaction
New feature helps MSPs improve responses to customer tickets by automatically detecting customer sentiment.
Key capabilities from the press release:
- Automatic Ticket Classification: Every ticket — whether user submitted or triggered by alerts — is automatically categorized into one of 47 distinct categories. This ensures tickets are routed to the appropriate technicians, reducing resolution times.
- Guided Resolution Steps: Tickets of certain types include an embedded checklist and linked scripts, empowering technicians to resolve common issues quickly and efficiently with just a single click.
- Smart Ticket Search: Powered by NLP, this feature intelligently identifies the search intent and retrieves relevant tickets, even when the query doesn’t match the exact keywords.
- Ticket Sentiment Analysis: This capability evaluates the tone of incoming tickets, categorizing them as positive, negative, or neutral. Negative sentiments can trigger smart automations, such as escalating the ticket, assigning it to a specific specialist, or generating immediate responses.
Bitdefender Partners with Cysurance to Provide MDR Customers with a Cybersecurity Breach Warranty Program
New program offers Bitdefender customers up to $1 million in Cysurance certification warranty and access to discounted premium cyber insurance coverage.
Key quote from the press release:
“As the threat landscape grows increasingly complex, businesses should have confidence in the solutions that protect vital assets as well as access to financial resources that fund recovery efforts should a security incident occur. Bitdefender’s MDR services have been certified by Cysurance to reduce the likelihood, severity and impact of cyber incidents.” — Kirsten Bay, co-founder and CEO, Cysurance
Blackpoint Cyber Recognized with Microsoft Verified SMB Solution Status
Resources
This status highlights the crucial role of partner collaboration in protecting small and midsized businesses against increasing cyberattacks.
Key highlights from the press release:
- Blackpoint Cyber protects against the evolving thread landscape by combining its action-driven SOC services with Microsoft’s powerful tools.
- By achieving this status, Blackpoint Cyber has demonstrated that its solution is purpose-built for the needs of MSPs and their SMB customers.
- Blackpoint Cyber also shows it is tightly integrated with Microsoft security technology, including Microsoft Defender for Business.
>>>MORE: Read about how Blackpoint Cyber’s new partner program empowers MSPs to dominate SMB cybersecurity.<<<
1Password Expands North American Presence, Announces Strategic Alliance with Ingram Micro
Enables channel partners to help businesses proactively address the “Access-trust Gap” by securing every sign-in, app, and device with 1Password Extended Access Management.
Key benefits from the press release:
- The agreement will expand the reach of 1Password Extended Access Management, a cutting-edge identity security platform, to more businesses across North America.
- The collaboration between both organizations aims to address the critical security challenges that businesses face today. Particularly, the growing risks around shadow IT, unmanaged employee devices, and applications accessing corporate data without adequate controls.
>>>MORE: Read about how Ingram Micro aims to shake up how MSPs do business.<<<
SuperOps and Malwarebytes Partner to Transform Cybersecurity with Seamless Integration
AI-driven automation integrated with advanced threat detection to empowers businesses with unmatched protection and operational efficiency.
Key quote from the press release:
“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity is no longer a standalone concern, but a critical component of overall business resilience. Our partnership with Malwarebytes empowers businesses to seamlessly integrate advanced threat detection and automated response capabilities into their IT management workflows. This proactive approach not only safeguards sensitive data and systems, but also optimizes IT operations, freeing up resources to focus on innovation and growth.” — Arvind Parthiban, CEO and co-founder, SuperOps
Sonatype and OpenText Partner to Provide Integrated Vulnerability Management Platform for Open Source and Custom Code
Bringing together best-in-class SCA, SAST, and DAST solutions to deliver holistic view of application security.
Key benefits from the press release:
- End-to-end Software Supply Chain Security: Robust protection for both open source and proprietary code, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the entire application stack from the first line of code to production.
- Streamlined DevSecOps Practices: Automated security checks seamlessly integrate into CI/CD pipelines, ensuring that developers can maintain their velocity without compromising security.
- Automated Efficiency: AI-powered tooling to streamline auditing, security prioritization, licensing, and more across custom code and open source.
- Optimized Risk Mitigation and Compliance: Early detection of security issues, unified reporting, and prioritized remediation, helping organizations meet regulatory requirements and manage risks effectively at scale.
Thales Expands CipherTrust Data Security Platform-as-a-Service Offerings
CTE is designed to provide transparent, high-performance encryption for complex environments without the need to modify applications or underlying infrastructure.
Key benefits from the press release:
- CipherTrust Transparent Encryption helps organizations meet compliance mandates and protect data wherever it resides.
- New cloud service includes live data transformation for non-disruptive encryption and ransomware protection to monitor continuously for abnormal activity.
Cribl Now Available in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace
Microsoft Azure customers worldwide now have access to Cribl’s data management capabilities to improve security posture and enhance visibility.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Cribl customers can now easily onboard and deploy Cribl within Azure.
- Customers can leverage their existing Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) to purchase Cribl solutions. No need to deal with separate vendor onboarding processes and complicated procurement logistics.
- Customers can accelerate their migration and modernization projects by leveraging Cribl Stream VM, Cribl.Cloud on Azure, and Cribl Stream for Microsoft Sentinel.
Rubrik Delivers Cyber Resilience Solution for Microsoft Azure Blob Storage
Complete cloud repository data security enables customers to securely leverage the cloud for business agility.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Autonomously discover, classify, and provide context on all Microsoft Azure Blob Storage data, without that source data leaving the customer’s environment.
- Assess the security posture of sensitive data against security policies and data requirements for your business.
- Continuously monitor sensitive data within Microsoft Azure Blob Storage for risky user activity and provide early warning of emerging threats.
NESIC Chooses Cloudbrink SASE to Power Managed Service
Global system integrator won over by simplicity, security and speed of the Cloudbrink service.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Enhanced Network Performance: Cloudbrink’s ultra-low-latency global edge mesh delivers secure, high-speed access with application acceleration up to 30x for mobile and remote users, even on consumer-grade connections.
- Simplified and Integrated Security: The virtual trusted overlay network (VTON) combines Cloudbrink’s performance with integrated endpoint security and identity management.
- Innovative Collaboration: NESIC’s partnership with Cloudbrink enables the creation of a disruptive networking and security architecture.
ChannelPro: How does this news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“Our simplified management and integration, scalability and flexibility, and comprehensive security allow MSPs to cut ops overhead and increase profits. In a work-anywhere world, MSPs are more important than ever for managing and securing network access for businesses. With Cloudbrink SASE, MSPs can offer a better, faster, more secure alternative to traditional VPN and ZTNA systems.” — Prakash Mana, CEO, Cloudbrink
NETRIO and SUCCESS Expand National Presence with Acquisition of PCA Technology Group
Strategic acquisition enhances the combined organization’s application development capabilities and MSP services for small to mid-market clients.
PCA’s suite of IT services, from the press release, include:
- Managed IT Services: Comprehensive solutions such as managed security, infrastructure, and service desk support
- Custom Application Development: Data management, integration, and tailored application solutions designed to streamline business processes and support growth.
ChannelPro: How does this news benefit small and midsized MSPs that support SMBs in the U.S.?
“By expanding our capabilities through the PCA acquisition, we’re showing how strategic growth can enable smaller MSPs to compete more effectively in a complex and rapidly changing technology market. This move allows us to both expand our geographical footprint and offer more comprehensive solutions that help our clients transform technology from a cost center into a real business enabler and competitive advantage.” — Gina Murphy, president and chief transformation officer, NETRIO and SUCCESS
OVHcloud US Launches Managed MongoDB Offering
Managed MongoDB offers organizations improved operational service levels and includes simplified infrastructure management and support as a fully managed service.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Cost Predictability: Predictable monthly costs help businesses manage budgets efficiently and plan for growth without hidden fees.
- Seamless Integration and Performance: Managed MongoDB integrates with OVHcloud Public and Private Cloud services. This enables businesses to easily connect their databases with other cloud offerings.
- Operational Relief: The scalable architecture ensures smooth operations during peak loads or high-volume interactions, relieving teams of operational burdens and allowing them to focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
Devicie Inks Exclusive Deal with MSP Entag to Provide Secure Modern Endpoint Management, Powered by Microsoft Intune
Partnership positions Devicie at the heart of Entag’s Microsoft-first strategy and to drive its Telstra business.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Streamlined Endpoint Management: Devicie’s automated, multitenant solution for Microsoft Intune enables MSPs and IT teams to manage endpoints with zero-touch configuration, automatic updates, application patching, and built-in compliance reporting.
- Enhanced Cybersecurity and Productivity: By integrating advanced security and compliance capabilities with Microsoft Intune, Devicie helps organizations predict, detect, and respond to threats faster while ensuring productivity and adherence to compliance standards at scale.
- Support for Growth and Operational Efficiency: Devicie frees up resources for MSPs and IT teams, allowing them to focus on high-value projects and professional service offerings, ultimately streamlining operations and maximizing Microsoft 365 utilization.
ZENDESK 2025 CX TRENDS REPORT: Human-centric AI Drives Loyalty
AI-powered personalization, loyalty and human-like interactions redefine success for CX leaders.
Key trends from the press release:
- Autonomous service accelerates with AI Copilots
- Consumer confidence rises with human-like AI agents
- Personal AI assistants shape the future of customer interactions
- Voice AI gains ground as the preferred channel for complex issues
- Personalization redefines customer loyalty
Intelisys Introduces Channel Exchange, a Cloud Software and Platform Division
intY US rebranded as Channel Exchange, offers enhanced marketplace experience.
Key features from the press release:
- Curated line card of SaaS offerings
- Intuitive, ease of navigation and use
- Automated quoting and invoicing
- Click-to-purchase licensing and provisioning
ColorTokens and Claroty Join Forces to Enhance Cyber-physical Systems Protection
New alliance brings breach readiness to industrial systems by combining unmatched asset visibility and Zero Trust microsegmentation technologies.
Key quote from the press release:
“In an era where cyberattacks on industrial enterprises are rising, our partnership with Claroty sets a new standard for securing critical infrastructure. With the convergence of OT and IT environments expanding the attack surface, organizations require modern, scalable, and pervasive digital resilience strategies that go beyond traditional protections. Together, we enable that.” — Rajesh Khazanchi, CEO and co-founder, ColorTokens
Nintex Introduces Nintex Apps, Enabling Businesses and Partners to Easily Build Engaging Applications that Drive Productivity and Innovation
Nintex Apps connects with Nintex Workflow and Document Automation to streamline complex work and unify data across systems.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Improve user engagement by building custom applications connected to business-critical workflows.
- Unify access to data for internal teams and customers.
- Simplify the development, deployment, and governance of business applications and workflows through a single platform.
BloodHound Enterprise Now Offered Through GuidePoint Security
This new collaboration offers customers access to SpecterOps’ Attack Path Management solution.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Adversary-focused cybersecurity solutions provider SpecterOps’ partnership with GuidePoint Security will help organizations of all sizes strengthen the security of their Microsoft Active Directory (AD), Entra ID and hybrid Azure environments.
- GuidePoint Security, a leading cybersecurity solution provider, helps organizations make better decisions and minimize risk.
SlashNext Launches Partner Program Designed for MSPs and MSSPs
New program will provide partners with integrated email, browser, and mobile messaging security services.
Key benefits from the press release:
- Access to SlashNext’s Generative HumanAITM Platform: SlashNext’s advanced AI technology protects against zero-hour spear phishing, BEC, smishing, and other socially engineered attacks across email, web, mobile, and messaging apps.
- Flexible Commitments and Licensing Options: SlashNext’s partner program is designed to be customized to suit all needs. MSPs can choose a la carte or suite packaging, various term commitments, per customer or per volume licensing options, and more.
- Accelerated Time to Value for MSPs and Customers: The SlashNext partner program includes operational benefits designed for a clear and fast path to value, including multitenant customer management system, APIs that deliver real-time phishing detection and forensics, and more.
Featured image: iStock
