Weekly Round-Up: Key Developments for MSSPs and MSPs
In the fast-paced world of managed service providers (MSPs) and managed security service providers (MSSPs), staying updated on the latest cybersecurity news is crucial. However, the operational landscape for these service providers extends beyond just cybersecurity. Each week, MSSP Alert curates a comprehensive round-up of significant business news that impacts service providers and channel partners. This week, we highlight Microsoft’s new AI tools, insights from the MSSP Alert Live event, strategic acquisitions in the cybersecurity space, and advancements in AI integration from Dell.
Microsoft’s New Partner Center AI Assistant Will ‘Lighten the Load’ for MSPs
Microsoft has unveiled its new Partner Center AI Assistant, a tool designed to streamline operations for MSPs and partners. This innovative assistant aims to simplify the deployment, configuration, and integration of AI technologies for end-user customers. Currently available in preview, the AI assistant is accessible through the English version of Microsoft’s Partner Center.
According to Jill Armour, a Microsoft Partner community lead, the AI assistant provides tailored insights, intelligent suggestions, and quick answers to everyday questions. It offers a wealth of information, from insights into Solutions Partner designation scores to guidance on membership management and billing information, including Azure credit usage trends. The AI assistant draws its responses from Microsoft’s extensive product documentation and partner program guides, ensuring that the information is both relevant and accurate.
Microsoft plans to expand the availability of this feature to additional languages by the end of 2024, further enhancing its utility for a global audience.
MSSP Alert Live 2024: How to Protect Your MSP From a Lawsuit
At the recent MSSP Alert Live 2024 event, a critical session focused on the legal challenges faced by managed service providers, particularly in light of a high-profile lawsuit against LanTech MSP. The lawsuit stemmed from a ransomware attack that affected a law firm, Mastagni Holstedt, which claimed that LanTech failed to protect its systems adequately.
The case underscored the importance of having clear, documented agreements in managed services relationships. Eric Tilds, a legal expert, emphasized that the absence of a written contract can lead to ambiguous legal situations, making it essential for MSPs to establish clear terms with their clients to mitigate risks.
Netskope’s ‘Strategic Acquisition’ of Dasera Enhances Unified Security
In a significant move to bolster its security offerings, Netskope has acquired Dasera, a data security firm. While the financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, it is expected to enhance Netskope’s capabilities in unified security.
Dasera, which has a global presence with employees in the U.S., India, and Spain, will see its team integrated into Netskope’s existing operations. Robert Arandjelovic, Netskope’s senior director of product and solutions strategy, noted that this acquisition aligns with the company’s vision of helping customers protect their critical data assets as their businesses evolve.
Dell’s AMD PowerEdge Servers Ease AI Integration for Businesses
Dell has launched an expanded lineup of PowerEdge servers powered by AMD’s 5th generation EPYC processors, aimed at facilitating AI integration for businesses. This new range of servers is designed to accelerate AI adoption, providing the necessary hardware and services expertise to harness the power of generative AI and other technologies.
Varun Chhabra, Dell’s senior vice president for Infrastructure Solutions Group, highlighted that businesses are increasingly seeking efficient ways to deploy AI solutions. The new server models are part of Dell’s commitment to reducing the time it takes for customers to realize value from their AI investments, addressing a common pain point in the industry.
Conclusion
As the landscape for MSPs and MSSPs continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest developments in technology, legal considerations, and strategic partnerships is essential. This week’s highlights from Microsoft, Netskope, and Dell, along with insights from the MSSP Alert Live event, provide valuable information that can help service providers navigate the complexities of their operations and enhance their service offerings. By leveraging these insights, MSPs can better position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive market.