In this issue: Vendors on the Vanguard; Low-Code App Dev; Partnering with Drone Companies; Managed Security Opportunity; Legacy Systems and IoT Benefits

Only you can prevent breaches. Just ask the security marmoset! Don’t know who he is? You will after spending a little time with Matt, Rich, and guest host Karl Bickmore, of managed service provider Snap Tech IT. You’ll also hear their thoughts about the latest consumer PCs from Dell, Datto’s plan for coping with coronavirus, and the giant opportunity in managed security.

Security is a hot market, with businesses of all sizes gaining ever-more understanding of the need to protect their IT infrastructure and digital assets. IT solution providers can capitalize on this trend by adding managed security services to their portfolio. This Expert Guide explores how to launch a managed security practice and issues to consider when building out a security stack, as well as dealing with customer resistance and cybersecurity talent shortages, plus some in’s and out’s of cyber insurance.

Erick and Rich dive into the launch of Acronis Cyber Protect, why you should host a virtual all hands meeting with your employees ASAP, and evidence that there may be less stress eating going on in the world than we thought.

Cloud partners are steadily diversifying beyond low-margin offerings like Office 365 licensing into more demanding – and profitable – online opportunities requiring deeper expertise. This Expert Guide covers how to get your business ready for Cloud 2.0, the ins and outs of custom cloud application development, and the benefits of building custom cloud solutions, plus it takes a look at a hybrid future.

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Think COVID-19 can’t make things much worse? Wait until people without access to a barber start showing up in big 70s-style mustaches again. That’s just one of the dangers Matt and Rich discuss this week with their guest host, cloud entrepreneur and consultant Jamison West. In an interview with Forrester analyst Jay McBain, they also explore the sobering potential impact of the coronavirus recession on the channel’s long-term future.†

Erick and Rich (who are both wearing pants, we think) chew over NetApp buying CloudJumper, the coronavirus-fueled opportunity to sell managed services to midsize businesses, and why eating more french fries has become every Belgian’s patriotic duty.

Many IT service providers have moved, or are in the process of moving, their customers to Microsoft Office 365. Carbonite Backup for Office 365 backup represents another potential opportunity for IT service providers. However, you may need to educate customers about its importance. In this document you’ll learn about the benefits of Office 365 backup, how to discuss it with your customers, and potential go-to-market strategies.

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In yet another bid to avoid going stir crazy, Erick and Rich discuss ID Agent’s new identity and access management solution, four priorities every MSP should set now to get through the COVID-19 crisis, and a long-distance runner whose indoor marathon encapsulates what all of us are feeling.

Matt’s from Chicago. Guest host Mike Bloomfield, of MSP Tekie Geek, is from New York. They have firm opinions about hot dogs.

This Expert Guide walks IT solution providers through the latest threat vectors facing SMB customers, the complexity of cloud security, and concerns around 5G. It also includes a look at NIST guidelines for the Internet of Things.

With Amiel Harper and Delia Gutierrez McLaughlin

This Expert Guide covers how to get your business ready for Cloud 2.0, the ins and outs of custom cloud application development, and the benefits of building custom cloud solutions, plus it takes a look at a hybrid future.

Courtesy of Datto, here’s a handy infographic, suitable for sharing with clients, that lists some essential techniques for staying safe online while staying safe at home.

As cybersecurity grows more complex, criminals around the world are evolving along with it. Their methods leave you vulnerable and many organizations are at risk. Staying informed on this ever-changing landscape is vital. In this educational eBook, explore the minds of hackers and open the window into their world. Learn why it’s important to debunk the common stereotypes, get informed on their methods and motives, and find out who they target the most.

Over the last several years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has maintained consistent growth among businesses. Despite the increase in adoption rates for these technologies, more than half of IT decision makers admitted they do not fully understand the benefits of these tools. Check out this report to learn more about the confusion surrounding these technologies in business security, and why you should become more knowledgeable about AI and machine learning as an IT decision maker.

In today’s cyber-climate, if you don’t have a good security setup, the chances you’ll get breached get higher every day. That means all the customers who trust you will have their confidence shaken—no matter how good your products or services are. Whether you’re a business or an MSP, you can use these simple tips and guidelines to implement cybersecurity strategies that will effectively protect your business, and also ensure your customers stay secure.

Taking a break from coronavirus news, if not coronavirus confinement, Erick and Rich discuss the new Secure Cloud bundle from Zix, why now is the time to ask your vendors about special finance programs, and how a 93-year-old woman sheltering in place in Pittsburgh scored 10 free cases of Coors Light.

E-cycling. Coaching. If you’re doing them the way Matt, Rich, and guest host Scott Beck, of Canadian MSP BeckTek, recommend there should be no sweating involved and no one in a track suit barking at you. Tune in to this week’s episode to get the lowdown not just on e-cycling used hardware and Tech Data’s free professional coaching program, but the latest financing offers from D&H and a new cloud/security suite from Zix and AppRiver.†

In this issue: Cloud Security Complexity; Cloud Solutions Success Recipe; The PE Effect; Review: Jabra Panacast; IoT in Houses of Worship

Live from the blur in which we all live these days, Erick and Rich discuss the prospect of private equity firms buying up distressed MSPs, investing the down time you may have these days in optimizing your tools, and a helpful TV news segment for those of us no longer sure what day it is.

You’re teaching your clients to use Teams and Zoom, but are you using them correctly yourself? Watch image management expert Lisa Shorr guide hapless ChannelPro editor Rich Freeman through some tips for projecting professionalism and confidence to your clients online.

It’s a whole new world, folks, and it just might be a great one too if you’re willing to rethink everything.

Ah, pie. Could there be a better treat in stressful times? We won’t claim it’s a substitute, but this week’s episode featuring guest host and MSP Ed Correia of Sagacent Technologies is a close-ish second. Grab a seat and listen in as Ed talks with Matt and Rich about what his company is doing to support customers during the coronavirus pandemic and prepare for tough economic times.

Erick and Rich discuss the partner relief measures that Lenovo and other vendors are rolling out, how to invest time freed up by the slow economy in your company’s future, and the sad state of affairs that has turned a truck fire involving a load of toilet paper into national news.