Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

N-able

Welcome to The MSP Horizons Podcast, your go-to resource for the latest insights, trends, and strategies shaping the world of Managed Service Providers. Hosted by industry veterans, this podcast delves deep into the findings of the MSP Horizons Report, providing actionable insights to transform your IT business.
Each episode features in-depth discussions with experts, thought leaders, and successful MSPs who share their experiences and strategies for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of managed services. From cybersecurity and AI integration to cloud management and compliance, we cover the critical topics that matter most to you.

Join us as we explore the future of managed services, uncover growth opportunities, and provide you with the tools and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're looking to enhance your service offerings, improve customer acquisition, or stay compliant with the latest regulations, The MSP Horizons Podcast is here to guide you every step of the way.

Subscribe now and stay at the forefront of the MSP industry, turning challenges into opportunities and vision into reality. Tune in to ensure your business is not just prepared for the future but thriving in it.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

All episodes

Best episodes

Seasons

Top 10 Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Secure by Default: Elevating MSP Security Standards

Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

11/14/24 • 35 min

In This Podcast, You’ll Learn:

The difference between "secure by design" and "secure by default" and how MSPs can benefit from both.

How secure-by-default features help MSPs protect clients without complex configurations.

Why secure-by-default settings improve resilience and operational efficiency for MSPs.

Practical steps MSPs can take to move customers toward a secure-by-default architecture.

How to communicate the value of secure-by-default solutions to clients.

### Episode Summary ###

In today’s episode, Pete Roythorne hosts N-able’s Chief Security Officer, Dave MacKinnon, and VP of Security Products, Jim Waggoner, to discuss the next step for MSPs: a secure-by-default approach to software security. Dave and Jim clarify the difference between secure-by-design and secure-by-default, noting how MSPs are pivoting from security as a buzzword to security as a business resilience strategy. They also cover the challenges vendors face in making their products secure by default and why transparency and simplicity are essential for building and maintaining trust.

Through examples and real-life scenarios, Jim and Dave outline how MSPs can use security to their advantage, ensuring consistency in their operations and client offerings. They stress the importance of educating customers on the why behind security features, highlighting that this approach not only strengthens client relationships but also reinforces the MSP’s role as a trusted partner. Wrapping up, they share their outlook on the future of security, including transparency and community-driven solutions that can help MSPs stay one step ahead in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

### Key Takeaways ###

1. **Secure by Design vs. Secure by Default**: Understand how secure by design lays the groundwork, while secure by default ensures security out of the box for MSP products, reducing client configuration complexity.

2. **Value of Consistent Security Stacks**: By implementing uniform, secure-by-default settings, MSPs improve their operational efficiency, making support and response more streamlined and effective.

3. **Emphasizing Resilience over Security**: Instead of positioning security features as a barrier, MSPs can frame them as part of a resilience strategy that protects business continuity and operational integrity.

4. **Client Communication**: Clear, transparent communication on why secure settings are essential can help clients understand the true value of security, leading to stronger buy-in.

5. **Future of Security Transparency**: The industry is moving toward greater security transparency, which fosters a collaborative community between MSPs, vendors, and customers to combat emerging threats.
Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-ab

Beyond the Horizon: Introducing the 2025 MSP Horizons Report

Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

03/13/25 • 50 min

In this episode, Stefanie Hammond, Head Sales and Marketing Nerd at N-able, and Jeff Nelson, Chief Marketing Officer at N-able, discuss the insights from the latest MSP Horizons, and its implications for Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

The 2025 MSP Horizons Report provides valuable insights and practical examples to help MSPs navigate the evolving landscape and achieve success. DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY HERE: https://www.n-able.com/resources/msp-horizons-report-2025

Stefanie and Jeff’s discussion looks at the following topics:

· Nearly half of the surveyed MSPs expect more than 20% growth in managed services revenue in 2025. The report identifies five mechanisms for growth: go-to-market strategies, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), new verticals, new channels, and new services.

· Cybersecurity is also highlighted as a significant growth area, with 90% of partners believing that substantial growth will come from cybersecurity over the next three years.

· MSPs are encouraged to lean into verticalization to address challenges and secure growth.

· Backup is emphasized as a key pillar of any good cybersecurity program, and MSPs should include backup as a requirement and ensure they have the right solution.

· Compliance is identified as a massive opportunity for MSPs. By offering compliance as a service and educating their clients, MSPs can differentiate themselves and provide added value.

· AI is also emerging as a growth lever, with some MSPs embracing AI to offer new services and improve their operations.

· The report notes a significant increase in MSPs moving into the co-managed space. Co-managed services offer redundancy and specialization, making them cost-effective and efficient.

· 90% of MSPs are considering making acquisitions over the next few years, seeing M&A as a way to achieve differentiation and growth.

· To avoid commoditization, MSPs should focus on best-of-breed tech stacks and differentiated services. Telling a compelling story and demonstrating value is crucial.

· MSPs can explore new channels by partnering with incident response companies, cybersecurity brokers, and industry-specific groups.

The 2025 MSP Horizons Report provides pragmatic insights to help MSPs build their businesses. It includes numbers and real-world stories to make the data actionable. MSPs can use the report to benchmark their business and reflect on necessary changes. The report features a mixture of larger and smaller MSPs from various regions, making it relevant to any MSP, regardless of their location.

The State of M&A, and Centralized vs. Decentralized Acquisitions with Matt Takhar

Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

05/16/24 • 17 min

Explore the reasons behind the decline in global channel M&A activity in 2023 and the increasing number of buyers compared to sellers in this conversation with Matt Takhar, Business Development Director at N-able. Takhar also delves into the factors driving M&A, such as the need for strategic fit and expansion into new markets. The conversation highlights two key models for structuring MSP acquisitions: the centralized model, where the acquired MSP is consolidated into the buyer's brand, and the decentralized model, where the acquired MSP retains its own brand but receives support from the buyer. The pros and cons of each model are discussed, along with the importance of due diligence for both buyers and sellers.

Key Takeaways:

· There has been a decline in global channel M&A activity in the MSP industry in 2023, but there are still many buyers looking to acquire MSPs.

· MSPs are becoming more selective in their acquisitions, looking for strategic fit and specialization in certain industries or sectors.

· Two key models for structuring MSP acquisitions are the centralized model, where the acquired MSP is consolidated into the buyer's brand, and the decentralized model, where the acquired MSP retains its own brand but receives support from the buyer.

· Due diligence is crucial for both buyers and sellers in the M&A process to ensure a successful and mutually beneficial acquisition.

· The MSP industry is attracting a new breed of owners who are business-focused rather than purely technical, and there are also franchise models available for setting up MSPs.

· Sellers have the upper hand in the current market, with more buyers than sellers, and should take the time to find the right buyer and deal for their business.

Ransomware as a Service: What MSPs Need to Know

Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

12/12/24 • 37 min

In this engaging episode of the Beyond the Horizon podcast, Jim Waggoner, VP of Product Management for Security at N-able, and Lewis Pope, Security Head Nerd at Enable, dive deep into the world of Ransomware as a Service (RaaS). They explore the commoditization of cybercrime, the challenges and opportunities for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and the cutting-edge solutions available to combat these threats.

Key Topics Covered:

What is Ransomware as a Service (RaaS)?
- Definition and explanation of RaaS.
- How it lowers barriers for cybercriminals, enabling even non-technical actors to launch ransomware campaigns.
The Economics of RaaS
- Entry costs and the profitability of RaaS for threat actors.
- Comparison between the startup costs for cybercriminals and legitimate MSPs.
- Why the asymmetry of costs and skills creates significant challenges for defenders.
Target Profiles and Attack Patterns:
- How attackers cast wide nets and target vulnerabilities indiscriminately.
- Examples of unexpected targets, including non-profits like food banks.
- Regional patterns and why the U.S. remains a favorite target for ransomware campaigns.
Challenges for MSPs:
- Skill gaps and operational challenges for MSPs trying to combat advanced threats.
- The high cost of building in-house SOC capabilities.
- Growing expectations from clients for integrated security services.
Opportunities for MSPs:
- The shift toward incorporating Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) capabilities.
- Leveraging third-party tools like Enable's MDR for cost-effective, scalable solutions.
- The importance of having risk management conversations with clients.
Real-World Success Stories:
- How Enable's MDR helped a city in New Jersey recover and protect itself from repeated ransomware attacks.
- The value of rapid detection and response in minimizing downtime and financial loss.
Actionable Steps for MSPs:
- Engaging clients in honest risk management discussions.
- Identifying and addressing gaps in their current security offerings.
- Leveraging commoditized services like MDR to offer 24/7 protection without building in-house capabilities.
Future of Cybersecurity for MSPs:
- The evolving threat landscape and how MSPs can adapt to remain competitive and secure.
- The importance of continuous learning and partnering with vendors who offer advanced security tools.

#Cybersecurity #CyberThreats #CyberAwareness #Ransomware #RansomwareAsAService #RAAS #MDR #ManagedDetectionAndResponse #CyberSolutions #TechPodcast #BusinessSecurity #CybersecurityTips #TechInsights

#LearnCybersecurity #ITPro #TechEducation

Disclaimer: This po

Unlocking MSP Sales Success

Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

06/27/24 • 42 min

In this episode of Beyond the Horizons, host Pete Roythorne sits down with Stefanie Hammond, sales and marketing Head Nerd at N-able, to discuss effective sales and marketing strategies for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Stefanie shares insights on overcoming common challenges like new customer acquisition, differentiating services, and developing a robust go-to-market strategy. Whether you're a small MSP struggling to find new clients or a larger provider looking to streamline your sales process, this episode is packed with practical tips and expert advice to set your business up for success.

Stefanie cover the following areas:

• Common Obstacles in Customer Acquisition

• Importance of Differentiating Your MSP

• Hiring for Growth: Account Managers vs. Sales Executives

• Setting Clear Sales Goals and Expectations

• Working On vs. In the Business

• Tools and Tactics for Lead Generation

• Creating a Roadmap for MSP Growth

• Effective Strategies for Closing More Deals

• What KPIs to Measure When It Comes to Evaluating Your Progress

Download Stefanie’s White Paper, The MSP’s Guide to Winning at Sales and Marketing here.

You can also keep up to date with Stefanie’s and the other Head Nerds’ latest Boot Camps, here

If you want more Sales and Marketing tips for your MSP, you can check out Stefanie’s blogs, here

What MDR Means for MSPs

Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

05/30/24 • 12 min

In this conversation, Dave MacKinnon, Chief Security Officer at N-able, talks to Pete Roythorne about Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and its relevance for MSPs. They explore the differences between MDR and other technologies, the benefits of MDR for MSPs, and the cost effectiveness of implementing MDR. Dave highlights the challenges of building a Security Operations Center (SOC) and emphasizes the importance of technology selection and effective threat detection in MDR. He also explains how MSPs can communicate the benefits of MDR to their customers and the role of resiliency in protecting businesses. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the implementation process of MDR.

Key Takeaways

· MDR goes beyond detection and includes response capabilities to contain risks and protect businesses.

· MDR offers a cost-effective solution for MSPs compared to building and maintaining a SOC.

· Key considerations for MSPs in selecting MDR include technology compatibility, effective threat detection, and integrated response capabilities.

· MDR helps MSPs enhance their customers' resiliency by minimizing risks and protecting critical systems.

· Implementing MDR involves leveraging existing technology investments and focusing on effective monitoring and response.

MSP’s Guide to Getting Started With Compliance as a Service

Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

10/17/24 • 45 min

In this episode of Beyond the Horizon, Stefanie Hammond steps in to interview Lewis Pope about the critical role of compliance in the managed services provider (MSP) landscape. They discuss how MSPs can pivot to offer Compliance as a Service (CaaS), the importance of internal assessments, and the challenges faced when implementing compliance strategies. Lewis emphasizes the need for MSPs to adapt to changing client demands, manage internal cultural shifts, and consider partnerships to enhance their compliance capabilities. The conversation highlights key lessons for MSPs looking to enter the compliance space and the proactive nature of compliance management.

Some of the Key Takeaways from this episode

· MSPs must evolve to meet client demands for compliance.

· Compliance as a Service is a growing opportunity for MSPs.

· Internal assessments are crucial before offering compliance services.

· Cultural shifts within MSPs are necessary for compliance success.

· Partnering with other MSPs or MSSPs can enhance service offerings.

· Compliance requires a proactive approach, not just reactive fixes.

· Educating clients about compliance is essential for engagement.

· Realistic expectations about compliance workload are important.

· Communication with clients should be ongoing and transparent.

· Compliance can lead to increased margins and business opportunities.

Check out our Head Nerd Boot Camps and Office Hours

Follow Lewis Pope on Linked-In

Welcome to The MSP Horizons Podcast, your go-to resource for the latest insights, trends, and strategies shaping the world of Managed Service Providers. Hosted by industry veterans, this podcast delves deep into the findings of the MSP Horizons Report and key industry opportunites and initiatives, providing actionable insights to transform your IT business. Each episode features in-depth discussions with experts, thought leaders, and successful MSPs who share their experiences and strategies for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of managed services. From cybersecurity and AI integration to cloud management and compliance, we cover the critical topics that matter most to you. Join us as we explore the future of managed services, uncover growth opportunities, and provide you with the tools and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve.

Whether you're looking to enhance your service offerings, improve customer acquisition, or stay compliant with the latest regulations, The MSP Horizons Podcast is here to guide you every step of the way. Subscribe now and stay at the forefront of the MSP industry, turning challenges into opportunities and vision into reality. Tune in to ensure your business is not just prepared for the future but thriving in it.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues

Why MSPs Need to Stop Selling Security

Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

01/16/25 • 32 min

Welcome to the Beyond the Horizons Podcast, in this episode we’re breaking from our usual format to bring you one of the key sessions from our Business of Security event in Texas last year (2024) where N-able Chief Security Officer Dave MacKinnon explains why selling security isn’t enough—and instead how MSPs need to focus on selling business resilience as an outcome.

Here Dave is being interviewed by Think Purple’s Alex Stanton.

Key Themes Discussed

1. Selling Resilience, Not Security

o Dave emphasizes the importance of moving away from “selling security products” and instead focusing on building business resiliency.

o Resiliency ensures that organizations can minimize disruption when, not if, a cyber event occurs.

2. The Role of Risk

o Risk is not bad; it’s healthy when acknowledged and managed.

o Businesses that ignore risk often face larger repercussions when incidents occur.

o It's essential to educate clients on identifying and understanding their business risks rather than avoiding or downplaying them.

3. Understanding Business Goals

o Start with business objectives, not security tools.

o Engage leadership with terms they understand: focus on outcomes like protecting revenue streams or minimizing operational downtime.

o Example: Discussed board-level alignment on risk tolerance and strategic investments.

4. The MSP Opportunity: Selling Outcomes, Not Products

o MSPs should present their services as enablers of business continuity and success, not just technical solutions.

o Dave encourages framing MSP offerings around risk mitigation and business continuity planning.

Key Insights

· Risk Management as a Conversation:

o MSPs should discuss tangible impacts of downtime, such as revenue loss or missed deadlines, to convey the value of investing in risk management.

o Example: A $30M office supply company loses $40,000 per half-day of downtime—a stark reminder of the cost of inaction.

· SaaS and Identity as Critical Responsibilities:

o MSPs must take responsibility for managing SaaS applications and client identity systems.

o Include identity management, provisioning, and securing integrations into service offerings.

o Highlighted the risk of lost or inaccessible data in SaaS environments without proper backups and vendor accountability.

· Tabletop Exercises and Incident Planning:

o Use tabletop exercises to identify gaps in processes, tools, or training.

o Avoid overly complex scenarios that discourage participation; start simple and build on successes.

· Tool and Vendor Selection:

o MSPs should evaluate and re-evaluate tools regularly to ensure they align with changing threats and business needs.

o Avoid tool sprawl: focus on leveraging a smaller set of tools effectively.
Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technolog

Turning Compliance into an Opportunity

Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

07/11/24 • 43 min

In this episode, Pete Roythorne sits down with Charles Weaver, CEO and co-founder MSPAlliance, to delve into the growing demand for managed service providers (MSPs) to handle compliance for their clients. Weaver emphasizes the shift in how compliance is viewed—from a bureaucratic necessity to a significant business opportunity.

This episode is crucial for MSPs looking to understand and capitalize on the growing demand for compliance services. Charles Weaver's insights highlight the evolving landscape of compliance and its implications for MSPs. From exploring new revenue opportunities to understanding global compliance trends, this discussion provides valuable perspectives for MSPs aiming to enhance their service offerings and navigate the complexities of regulatory requirements.

Some of the key themes, this podcast touches on:

1. Evolution of Compliance:

Compliance has historically been seen as bureaucratic and procedural. However, the role of MSPs in compliance is evolving, particularly in sectors like banking and defense. MSPs are now critical in managing compliance efforts, from cyber insurance to software compliance, creating new revenue streams.

2. Cyber Insurance and Revenue Opportunities:

The pandemic accelerated MSPs' involvement in cyber insurance, with many helping clients with insurance renewal forms and charging for these services. This shift has placed MSPs at the center of the compliance discussion, expanding their roles in corporate risk and governance.

3. Global Compliance Trends:

Compliance requirements are becoming standardized across major developed countries, with regulations like GDPR influencing data privacy practices globally. MSPs are crucial for ensuring that mid-market and SMB clients meet these standards, solidifying their role in global IT management.

4. Compliance as a Service:

The concept of "compliance as a service" is gaining traction, though there are concerns about commoditization. Effective compliance requires a symbiotic relationship between MSPs and their clients, where MSPs are integral to the client's compliance strategy.

5. Vertical Specialization:

Some MSPs may choose to specialize in specific industries, leveraging their expertise in industry-specific regulations. However, there is also a push for MSPs to adopt general cyber frameworks to elevate all clients' cybersecurity standards.

6. Managed Services Immunity:

Weaver introduces the concept of "managed services immunity," where MSPs and their clients achieve a high standard of cyber hygiene and operational behavior. This concept aims to provide benefits for adopting good practices, counterbalancing the regulatory burdens.

7. Compliance and Small MSPs:

Compliance strategies should be accessible to MSPs of all sizes, not just larger ones. Smaller MSPs must balance client compliance with the need to protect themselves contractually and through insurance.

Navigating AI Adoption in MSPs

Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

06/13/24 • 33 min

Explore how AI is transforming the MSP industry, from strategic applications to regulatory concerns, with Nicole Reineke, AI Strategist at N-able.
Join Pete Roythorne and Nicole Reineke, AI Strategist at N-able, as they dive into the evolving role of AI in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry. Discover how AI is being utilized beyond marketing and code creation, the current opportunities, regulatory challenges, and strategies for MSPs to integrate AI effectively.

Download Nicole’s White Paper, AI for MSPs at https://www.n-able.com/resources/ai-for-msps

In this episode, we explore the current state and future potential of AI within the MSP industry. We discuss the findings of the MSP Horizons report, highlighting how AI usage has evolved from marketing and code creation to more strategic applications such as predictive maintenance and efficiency improvements. Nicole explains the concept of "Shadow AI," where employees use AI tools independently, leading to broader acceptance and integration within businesses.

The conversation also addresses the growing regulatory concerns, with a shift from fear of AI to understanding its legal and ethical implications. Nicole emphasizes the need for transparency and consent when using AI, particularly in handling customer and employee data. They discuss practical steps MSPs can take to adopt AI responsibly, including setting clear standards for data use, ensuring transparency, and leveraging community resources like Huggingface.

Nicole outlines a process for MSPs to evaluate AI products, considering factors like data availability, technological feasibility, business value, and risk. She also highlights that modern tools have leveled the playing field, allowing even small MSPs to harness AI's power effectively. The episode concludes with a discussion on ensuring data integrity and the importance of data engineering in successful AI implementation.

Listeners are encouraged to explore available resources, including a white paper on AI adoption for MSPs and guidelines from industry leaders like IBM and the Center for Humane Technology.

Show more best episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights have?

Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights currently has 20 episodes available.

What topics does Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights cover?

The podcast is about Podcasts, Msp, Technology, Automation and Cybersecurity.

What is the most popular episode on Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights?

The episode title 'MSP’s Guide to Getting Started With Compliance as a Service' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights?

The average episode length on Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights is 30 minutes.

How often are episodes of Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights released?

Episodes of Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights?

The first episode of Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights was released on May 16, 2024.

Show more FAQ

Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

N-able

Top 10 Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights have?

What topics does Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights cover?

What is the most popular episode on Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights?

What is the average episode length on Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights?

How often are episodes of Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights released?

When was the first episode of Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights?

Comments