NITCH 2023 PREVIEW
The future’s bright?
The past few years have shown that making predictions is anything but easy. That said, a range of leaders in the channel have had a bash anyway, giving their thoughts of what the next 12 months could have in store.
providing new opportunities for manufacturers and resellers alike. While the past three years have shown that anything can – and does – happen, and our world can change hugely in a bewilderingly short space of time, what follows is the assessment of a range of industry experts on what the main trends in the channel are likely to be in the next 12 months.
As we head into 2023, there is caution in the sector, with a looming recession, allied to existing problems with rising costs, supply chain issues and more creating headaches for many. But there is also optimism, there is much innovation in the industry and many businesses are waking up to the potential of things like cloud-based solutions and unified communications, which is
Greg Jones , VP business development, EMEA, at Datto, a Kaseya company
In an uncertain economic climate, organisations are reluctant to invest in new solutions, but this can be an opportunity to make existing processes more efficient with intelligent automation. Staffing issues are forcing businesses to do more with less while also having to decrease operational costs. MSPs and their clients can ride the wave by building in more automation, which will ultimately help them be more profitable and productive. Examples for processes that can easily be automated include labour-intensive and repetitive tasks such as reconciling expenses, diary management, documentation, and other administrative tasks. There are opportunities across almost every area of a business. Businesses should have a frank conversation with their MSP partner to find all the processes that could be improved. MSPs, on the other hand, can automate many basic day-to-day tasks such as onboarding new clients, dealing with recurring RMM tickets and more. Elsewhere, digital transformation initiatives will continue in 2023, within MSPs and their clients. However, harnessing technology to drive the business forward doesn’t have to be about cutting-edge technologies. Tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom can move the needle by improving productivity and streamlining remote working. Consolidated platforms can simplify how emails and messages are processed or how users access services and content. Rather than rushing ahead with the latest technology, organisations should focus on the user experience instead and start by considering how they can make each employee’s working day easier and free up time for other tasks. Businesses have continued hybrid working
because in some cases it can save costs. But there is always room for improvement; for example, giving employees the tools for better time management or ramping up security. The next 12 months will be a good opportunity for businesses to take the next step on from basic WFH technology, such as by switching to a new marketing and communications platform or upgrading their accounting system. Security remains a top concern. Ransomware and cybercrime show no signs of slowing down. Supply chain attacks will remain a headache. Connected devices and remote working have brought new risks, and social engineering is becoming smarter. In addition, attackers are now using artificial intelligence and machine learning, for example, to scrape information off social media platforms to track users’ behaviour and exploit certain time windows where they may be more susceptible to attack. Couple this with shrinking IT budgets and a shortage of cybersecurity professionals and businesses have a perfect storm on their hands. Offering extended security services will be a huge opportunity for MSPs who can fill talent gaps, add agility and provide expertise. There will also be vendor and MSP consolidation. The monthly revenue business model adopted by many MSPs have made them a popular target for acquisitions by technology companies. We have seen US and Canadian firms buying European companies as the exchange rates have been in their favour. The market is moving towards a combination of very big MSPs and boutique MSPs serving certain sectors. MSPs will need to stand out by building a distinctive profile for themselves and ramping up their sales and marketing efforts.
Greg Jones Datto
datto.com
kaseya.com
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