MailRoute Expands MSP Program to Simplify Email Security Delivery
MailRoute has refreshed its MSP and channel partner program to deliver email security as a fully white‑label service that can be provisioned in minutes via MX‑level filtering. The new model lets managed service providers onboard client domains by changing two DNS records, integrates directly with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace APIs, and eliminates per‑seat licensing negotiations. By offloading inbound spam, malware and continuity filtering while leaving DNS and authentication tasks to the MSP, the platform promises higher margins and reduced operational overhead for SMB‑focused providers. MailRoute explicitly excludes advanced features such as DLP, SIEM integration, or archiving, positioning itself as a streamlined, cost‑effective option for smaller customers.
WatchGuard Targets EDR Pricing Pressure with MSP-Focused Endpoint Model
WatchGuard launched a new endpoint security portfolio that bundles AI‑driven detection, vulnerability management, and URL filtering into a tiered licensing model aimed at managed service providers (MSPs). The approach removes the so‑called “entry‑level tax,” allowing MSPs to offer baseline protections...
Microsoft 365 Modernization Is Becoming a Data Sovereignty Challenge
Enterprises are now treating Microsoft 365 data sovereignty as a front‑line buying criterion rather than a post‑deployment check. Modernization projects—migrations, restructurings, and Copilot rollouts—are accelerating, exposing gaps in permissions, guest access, and identity sprawl that can undermine compliance. Governance must travel...
Where AI Actually Fits Inside MSP Operations
Managed service providers (MSPs) can start integrating AI now, as hype settles. Five practical AI workflows—ticket triage, smart routing, automated onboarding, self‑writing documentation, and narrative reporting—are highlighted. Most PSA and RMM platforms already embed AI or support connectors, so MSPs...
Structured RFPs Push MSP Evaluation Toward Measurable Outcomes
Xobee has launched a managed‑IT‑services RFP template designed for small and mid‑sized businesses. The tool forces buyers to evaluate managed service providers (MSPs) on cybersecurity readiness, disaster recovery, SLA enforcement, and scalability rather than price alone. By codifying measurable criteria,...
Arctiq Brings Forty8Fifty Labs Under One Brand
Arctiq has fully integrated Forty8Fifty Labs into its brand following the Verinext acquisition, consolidating its Atlassian‑focused services with existing cloud, DevOps, and automation capabilities. The move creates a single operating structure that streamlines delivery across observability, automation, and collaboration tools....
AI Traffic Is Pushing Enterprise Networks to the Edge - Channel Partners Are on the Hook
Enterprise networks, originally designed for predictable traffic, are now being overwhelmed by AI‑driven workloads that create erratic north‑south and east‑west data flows. IDC projects AI infrastructure spending to hit $758 billion by 2029, accelerating the need for edge‑to‑core connectivity and flexible...
Akamai Expands Channel Reach Through Arrow Partnership
Akamai announced a partnership with Arrow Electronics to broaden its channel reach, allowing Arrow’s partner network to resell Akamai’s edge, cloud, and security services. The deal integrates Akamai’s platform into Arrow’s enterprise computing solutions, streamlining procurement, onboarding, and billing for...
Onix Expands Google Cloud Collaboration Around Agentic AI and Data
Onix announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud to accelerate enterprise‑scale AI deployments, committing to drive over $500 million in Google Cloud consumption and boost services revenue. The collaboration centers on Onix’s Wingspan platform, which blends data modernization with agentic AI...
Channel Brief: AI Is Forcing the MSP Model to Grow Up
AI is prompting a fundamental shift in the managed services provider (MSP) model, moving from tool‑centric operations to outcome‑focused delivery. While 62% of SMBs report using AI, only 18.5% have integrated it across the business, exposing gaps in governance and...
Changes in the Channel: People Moves and Shakeups March 30 - April 03
During the week of March 30‑April 03, a wave of senior appointments swept the technology and cybersecurity sectors. Xerox promoted Louie Pastor to CEO, while Snowflake and several security firms named new chief revenue officers to accelerate go‑to‑market efforts. Delinea, Kai, Appfire,...
ArmorPoint and Scudo360 Partner to Expand Managed Security Services
ArmorPoint has teamed up with Scudo360 to embed a 24/7 managed SOC and SIEM capability into Scudo360’s service portfolio. The co‑delivery model gives Scudo360’s mid‑market clients continuous threat monitoring and real‑time response without building their own security operations center. By...
F5 and Forcepoint Partner to Address AI Data Risk and Runtime Security
F5 and Forcepoint announced a partnership that bundles F5’s runtime AI protections with Forcepoint’s Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) for enterprise customers. The joint go‑to‑market approach uses channel partners rather than deep product integration, allowing MSPs, VARs and SIs to...
Treeline Pushes Software-Driven Model for IT Services
Treeline announced a $25 million Series A round to develop a modern IT operating system that automates and standardizes service delivery across IT, security, and compliance. The platform replaces fragmented, ticket‑based workflows with a unified, software‑driven layer, allowing routine tasks to be...
Why Identity-Led Security Services Matter Now for MSPs
Identity-led security is becoming a growth engine for managed service providers as 60 % of breaches now involve compromised identities. MSPs that layer modern IAM—phishing‑resistant MFA, passwordless login, and continuous risk assessment—onto existing services can differentiate themselves and command higher margins....
Changes in the Channel: People Moves and Shakeups March 23 - March 27
During the week of March 23‑27, several channel vendors announced senior leadership changes aimed at strengthening AI‑driven security, scaling SaaS revenue, and expanding federal cloud compliance. 7AI named Israel Barak as chief information security officer to accelerate AI‑enabled SOC operations. JumpCloud,...
Convergence Networks Acquires Certinet Systems
Convergence Networks announced the acquisition of Certinet Systems, extending its Pacific Northwest footprint while bolstering cybersecurity and compliance capabilities for regulated sectors. The deal retains Certinet’s local leadership and layers it with Convergence’s broader service platform, offering customers after‑hours support...
Sherweb Raises $125M to Expand Cloud Marketplace and MSP Services
Sherweb secured a $125 million minority investment from Investissement Québec to fund its next growth phase. The capital will expand its cloud marketplace and MSP enablement platform, building on the recent MicroWarehouse acquisition that gave it over 7,500 partners in North America...
Risk-Based Security Is Reshaping the Channel Playbook
The managed services industry is moving from reactive ticket‑based support to proactive, risk‑based security models. Clients now demand continuous risk assessments, governance programs aligned with NIST CSF 2.0, ISO 27001 and SOC 2, and measurable outcomes that tie cyber risk to business performance....
Xona Targets Real-Time Threat Response in OT Remote Access
Xona Systems unveiled an Active Defense capability that automatically reacts to suspicious behavior during OT remote‑access sessions. The feature links detection platforms to session‑level enforcement, enabling actions such as step‑up authentication, access limitation, or session termination in real time. Initially,...
How CSPs Can Win More Microsoft Licensing Business - Without Becoming Licensing Experts
Microsoft has eliminated back‑end reseller subsidies, forcing CSPs to absorb licensing advisory costs and charge $10,000‑$25,000 for Enterprise Agreement management. The shift to a pure CSP model commoditizes transactions but leaves complex licensing rules untouched, squeezing partner margins. Successful CSPs...
Thrive Expands Its Managed AI Services with Launch of Its Managed AI Workspace
Thrive has launched a Managed AI Workspace that aggregates 58 large‑language models into a single, governed environment, expanding its managed AI services portfolio introduced six months earlier. The offering pairs with a new Managed Microsoft 365 Copilot option that provides a single‑vendor...
Cutting Through the M&A Hype: Priorities for Channel Leaders in 2026
The cybersecurity sector’s consolidation wave—highlighted by Google’s $32 billion acquisition of Wiz, Palo Alto Networks’ $25 billion purchase of CyberArk, and CrowdStrike’s dual buys of Seraphic Security and SGNL—has created a noisy environment for channel partners. While the deals signal market strength,...
Fortinet Refocuses Partner Program to Meet Changing Customer Lifecycle Needs
Fortinet is overhauling its Engage Partner Program to prioritize the customer lifecycle rather than pure sales transactions. The revamped structure rewards channel partners for expertise, services, and long‑term engagement across design, deployment, and operation of Fortinet’s security platform. Initial sales...
Informatica Adds Microsoft Fabric Support and Opens Swiss Data Center
Informatica announced general availability of Microsoft Fabric Open Mirroring within its Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC) and launched a new Azure‑based IDMC delivery point in Switzerland. The Open Mirroring feature lets customers synchronize data between OneLake and Fabric Data Warehouse...
Arctiq Expands Into Observability and Automation With Shadow-Soft Acquisition
Arctiq announced the acquisition of Shadow‑Soft, bringing observability, automation, and platform‑operations expertise into its service portfolio. The deal adds cloud‑native, Kubernetes, and DevOps capabilities, expanding Arctiq’s reach across North America. By integrating Shadow‑Soft’s engineering depth, Arctiq aims to turn growing...
Zenarmor Launches SASE Partner Program for MSPs and Channel Providers
Zenarmor has launched an industry‑first, architecture‑driven SASE Channel Partner Program targeting MSPs, MSSPs, ISPs and VARs. The program offers a structured framework, go‑to‑market positioning, enablement resources and tiered margins, enabling partners to deploy, manage and sell SASE without relying on...
You're Doing Vulnerability Management Backwards: Here's the Fix
The article argues that vulnerability management should start with asset importance rather than CVSS scores. It proposes an asset‑first framework that classifies systems into business‑impact tiers and adds exploit likelihood to prioritize remediation. For MSPs handling many client environments, this...
Salesforce Updates Partner Program Consulting Track to Emphasize Verifiable AI Outcomes
Salesforce has revamped the consulting track of its partner program to prioritize verifiable outcomes from agentic AI deployments. The new structure introduces two performance tiers—Summit and Select—replacing legacy scorecards and consolidating 170 specializations into 28 core competencies. Partners will earn...
Changes in the Channel: People Moves and Shakeups March 09 - March 13
The cybersecurity and cloud services sector saw a flurry of senior‑level hires during the week of March 9‑13, with firms such as Netrio, Orca Security, Darktrace, Caylent and others appointing new CEOs, COOs, C‑suite marketers and growth officers. Many of the...
What Most Organizations Are Getting Wrong About AI ROI
Organizations are deploying AI tools without redesigning workflows or training staff, resulting in limited productivity gains. The gap between capability and execution means most firms are still waiting for measurable ROI. Channel partners—MSPs, MSSPs, and VARs—can fill this void by...
Sherweb Expands Into UK MSP Market
Sherweb announced a strategic expansion into the United Kingdom, aiming to serve more than 11,000 local managed service providers (MSPs). The move builds on its 2025 acquisition of Ireland‑based MicroWarehouse, giving the Canadian cloud marketplace a foothold in the region....
What It Takes to Scale an MSP Profitably in 2026: Tools, Commercial Models and Mindset
Managed service providers (MSPs) are confronting a paradox: revenue and client counts are rising, yet profit margins are eroding. The primary culprit is tool sprawl, which drives licensing, training, and integration costs while diluting engineering efficiency. Profitable MSPs are countering...
IO River Launches Multi-CDN Edge Security With Check Point
IO River unveiled a multi‑CDN edge security platform powered by Check Point’s Web Application Firewall. The solution runs security logic directly at the edge of each CDN, eliminating the need to route traffic back to a central inspection point. By decoupling...
DataBahn Expands Microsoft Sentinel Integration
DataBahn has deepened its partnership with Microsoft, embedding its AI‑driven data pipeline into Microsoft Sentinel via the Content Hub and Azure Marketplace. The joint solution automates ingestion, normalization, and routing of telemetry from hundreds of sources, cutting weeks of manual...
Netskope Launches AI Security Platform to Monitor and Protect Enterprise AI Systems
Netskope unveiled Netskope One AI Security, extending its Zero Trust platform to monitor and control AI agents, models, and data flows across enterprises. The suite adds an Agentic Broker, AI Guardrails, AI Gateway, and AI Red Teaming to give security...
Tech Stack Standardization: The Operational Backbone of MSP M&A
Mergers among Managed Service Providers (MSPs) hinge on more than financials; aligning disparate technology platforms is essential for operational stability. Without tech‑stack standardization, firms face duplicated licensing, training burdens, and fragmented security that erode profitability. Unified solutions—such as N‑able’s RMM,...
IRONSCALES Unveils 3 Targeted AI Agents to Boost Preemptive Email Security
IRONSCALES’ Winter 2026 release adds three specialized AI agents—Red Teaming, Phishing SOC, and Phishing Simulation—to shift its email security platform from reactive to proactive protection. The agents follow an anticipate‑investigate‑educate framework, scanning external assets, automating Level‑2 forensic analysis, and delivering OSINT‑driven...
Slide Raises $70M to Expand MSP Backup Platform with Integrations, New Features, and EMEA Expansion
Slide, a backup‑as‑a‑service platform for managed service providers, announced a $70 million Series B round led by General Catalyst. The funding will fuel product enhancements, new integrations such as ConnectWise, and the launch of a UK office with a German data center...
Channel Brief: Automation, AI, and Compliance Expand MSP Service Opportunities
Managed service providers are rapidly adopting automation, AI‑enabled platforms, and compliance solutions to reduce manual effort and meet rising regulatory demands. Vendors such as GitLab, LogicMonitor, ConnectSecure, Cork Cyber, and Monjur are launching AI‑driven tools that let MSPs package DevSecOps...
ConnectSecure Delivers Unified Linux Patching Capabilities for MSPs to Serve Customers
ConnectSecure has introduced cross‑platform Linux patching to its MSP platform, supporting Red Hat, Ubuntu, Debian and CentOS through a single unified console. The update also adds a built‑in, local patch repository that keeps update traffic inside the firewall. ConnectSecure claims the...
CrowdStrike Falcon to Run on STACKIT Sovereign Cloud
CrowdStrike and Schwarz Digits have teamed up to launch the Falcon cybersecurity platform on STACKIT, the sovereign cloud operated by Schwarz Digits. The integration lets European enterprises run endpoint, cloud, identity and exposure protection while keeping all telemetry and detection...
Hexnode Adds Conversational AI to UEM Platform to Help MSPs Scale Operations
Hexnode has upgraded its Genie AI assistant with a conversational interface for its Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platform. The new natural‑language layer lets IT administrators ask for device data, run remote actions, and receive automated troubleshooting steps in real time....
Assured Data Protection Brings BackBox Network Configuration Protection to MSP Partners
Assured Data Protection has teamed with BackBox to add automated network‑configuration backup, version control, and rapid restoration to its managed services. The integrated offering supports more than 5,000 firewall, switch, router and security device types, storing encrypted copies off‑site for...
Zero Trust Vendor Keeper Security Delivering New Partner Program Benefits for MSPs
Keeper Security announced its 2026 MSP partner program, introducing four tiered levels—Authorized, Silver, Gold and Platinum—with revenue‑based discounts and expanded market development funds. The program centers on KeeperPAM, an AI‑enabled, cloud‑native privileged access management solution that delivers zero‑trust encryption across...
Channel Partners Are Flying Blind on Network Risk as AI Traffic Surges
AI-driven workloads are reshaping enterprise traffic, creating sudden, high‑volume data bursts that bypass traditional monitoring points. As hybrid, multi‑cloud and edge environments proliferate, channel partners lose end‑to‑end visibility, exposing them to hidden performance and security risks. Legacy network tools, built...
XTIVIA Partners with Xurrent for AI-Based ITSM
XTIVIA has announced a partnership with Xurrent to deliver an AI‑native IT service management (ITSM) platform through its RightStar practice. The joint offering combines the Xurrent platform with consulting, rollout, and ongoing support to help organizations transition from legacy ITSM...
Opkey Targets the Design Phase of Cloud Implementations With Agentic AI
Opkey has launched Design Studio, an agentic‑AI suite for its Cloud Application Lifecycle Management platform. The tools automate the discovery and design phases of large‑scale Oracle and Workday transformations, linking SOW creation, requirements gathering, BPMN process modeling, and configuration into...
How to Protect Your Active Directory with Duo’s New MFA and Visibility Solutions
Cisco Duo unveiled its Active Directory Defense solution, adding native multi‑factor authentication and granular visibility to on‑prem AD environments. The offering integrates with Cisco Identity Intelligence dashboards and SpecterOps BloodHound Enterprise to surface misconfigurations, risky service accounts, and attack‑path mappings....
Contrast Security Integration Brings Verified Application Risk Into ServiceNow Workflows
Contrast Security’s integration with ServiceNow Application Vulnerability Response (AVR) streams verified, runtime‑backed vulnerabilities directly into ServiceNow tickets, uniting detection and remediation workflows. The bidirectional sync supplies exploitability evidence, code location and environment context, eliminating manual validation steps. This enables security...