ConnectWise’s move to expand its security offerings is in response to a perceived “sprawl of tools”, says Jeff Bishop (pictured), Chief Product Officer. It announced last week that it was buying two companies – Perch Security and StratoZen to build out its data management capabilities. He was able to give an idea of the future direction of the business for next year as he talked to IT Europa.
The idea, as ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini said two years ago, is to build that third pillar of security alongside its PSA and RMM techs.
"We’ve worked with Perch for a while, and StratoZen is vendor-agnostic,” says Bishop. The market is changing in 2020, he says, with technology services providers looking for more expert services to supply. IT is no longer seen as a cost centre, it is up to MSPs to offer thought leadership, with ConnectWise supplying the technology behind this.
He expects the market to change, with consolidation based on the higher levels of expertise required. “There are still a lot of lifestyle companies out there and we expect more acquisitions.” Many TSP plans will have been upset by 2020, and yet they are still looking or growth and advice on growing.
Brian Downey, VP of Security Products tells IT Europa: “Our industry has taken the flawed approach of adding more tools, more staff, more complexity - all contributing to silos of chaos. With Perch and StratoZen, we’re changing that approach, capturing only the data MSPs need and helping them make sense of it so they can protect their customers more effectively and efficiently.”
Security has been largely reactive and a challenge and a cost to MSPs. “We are trying to change that with a centralised platform that scales and meets the threat landscape. It is a real opportunity for MSPs.”
Looking forward, he expects ConnectWise to introduce AI next year around expert services, with machine learning in the first half. “We’re looking at how to grow with new lines and a focus on products aimed at customer success.” AI, when done right, can provide value in supporting responses, adds Bishop.
