Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber attacks is prompting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to adopt managed detection and response (MDR) services and explore autonomous security operations centers (SOCs). Research from TechAisle indicates that awareness of MDR among SMBs increased from 39% in 2023 to 61% in 2025, with 89% of mid-market firms prioritizing cyber resilience. This shift is driven by the need for effective security operations that do not rely on in-house expertise, as AI-driven threats evolve faster than traditional defenses can respond.A report from UpGuard highlights the prevalence of shadow AI, revealing that 68% of security leaders use unauthorized AI tools, with 90% of them bypassing corporate governance. This disconnect between security protocols and employee behavior underscores the need for organizations to adapt their governance strategies. Additionally, a significant cyber attack attributed to a Chinese state-sponsored group demonstrated AI's capability to autonomously conduct reconnaissance and data exfiltration, marking a shift in threat actor tactics.Retail executives are increasingly concerned about their employees' ability to identify genuine cyber threats, with 44% reporting a rise in cyber attacks. Despite this awareness, only 25% feel prepared for AI-driven incidents. The report emphasizes the necessity for retailers to adopt a resilience-focused approach, including improved application security and identity controls, to mitigate risks associated with sophisticated cyber threats. This highlights a broader trend across industries where reliance on employee training alone is insufficient to combat evolving threats.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), these developments present both challenges and opportunities. The increasing complexity of cyber threats necessitates a shift towards operational models that prioritize continuous verification and behavioral analysis over traditional detection methods. MSPs can leverage this moment to guide organizations in developing effective cybersecurity strategies that address the preparedness gap, ensuring that clients are equipped to handle the evolving landscape of AI-driven attacks. Four things to know today00:00 AI-Powered Attacks Accelerate as SMB Security Transitions Toward Autonomous SOC Models, Exposing a Governance Gap Around Shadow AI06:43 Retail Executives Report Rising AI-Driven Threats and Low Preparedness, Underscoring the Shift from User Training to Resilience08:50 Stealthier North Korean Campaigns and a Fragmented Ransomware Ecosystem Signal Rising Detection Challenges for MSPs11:49 Cork’s New Vantage Platform Targets Unified MSP Risk Validation — But Its Visibility Metrics Demand Scrutiny This is the Business of Tech.     Supported by:  https://mailprotector.com/mspradio/  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The recent partnership between OpenAI and Search Kings, a digital marketing firm, aims to provide ChatGPT services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), particularly in the home services sector. This collaboration is designed to facilitate the integration of artificial intelligence into SMB operations, addressing the challenges these businesses face in adapting to AI technologies. The initiative highlights a shift in focus towards rapid AI adoption, which may lead to operational instability if not managed properly, as it lacks clear governance and standards.Supporting data from the 2026 State of IT report indicates that IT budgets are projected to increase by 11% year-on-year, with 55% of organizations planning to allocate more funds to IT, primarily driven by a heightened focus on cybersecurity. Despite this growth, over half of IT leaders report insufficient internal resources to address issues effectively or foster innovation. The report also reveals that 60% of organizations are now relying on managed service providers (MSPs) to oversee their data infrastructure, reflecting a significant shift in how businesses are approaching their IT needs.Additionally, the server virtualization market is experiencing disruption following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, prompting many customers to seek alternatives and develop exit strategies from their current vendors. This situation presents an opportunity for MSPs to engage in broader discussions about modernization and technical debt reduction, rather than merely facilitating migrations. The tablet market is also stabilizing, with a notable decline in shipments, indicating a shift towards predictable refresh cycles rather than explosive growth.For MSPs and IT service leaders, these developments underscore the importance of positioning themselves as strategic partners in their clients' digital transformations. As organizations grapple with the complexities of AI integration and modernization, there is a clear opportunity for MSPs to lead in governance and operational efficiency. By stepping into roles that facilitate organizational capacity and strategic alignment, MSPs can capture the growing budgets and demand for innovative IT solutions.Four things to know today 00:00 Rising Budgets, Overwhelmed IT Teams, and Sovereignty Demands Signal a Market Shift Toward Modernization — and a Strategic Opening for MSPs06:07 Surging Tech Hiring, Massive Workforce Reconfiguration, and Undefined AI Ownership Point to a Single Trend: Organizations Need Structure, Not Just Tools09:57 VMware Upheaval and Tablet Market Slowdown Both Point to One Trend: IT Providers Must Shift From Tools to Transformation13:20 OpenAI’s SearchKings Deal Shows AI Entering SMBs Through Marketing, Exposing Governance Gaps and Creating Opportunity for IT Providers This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by: https://try.auvik.com/dave-switchhttps://scalepad.com/dave/  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Richardson Dackam, a solo developer known for rapidly creating AI-first SaaS products, shared insights into his development process during a recent episode of the Business of Tech. Dackam emphasizes the importance of identifying manageable problems that can be solved quickly, which he refers to as "done for you ideas." His approach involves extensive research to create a Product Requirement Document (PRD) and context engineering for AI agents, enabling him to build prototypes in a matter of hours or days. He leverages various services, such as Magic Link for authentication and Superbase for databases, to streamline his workflow.Dackam's success is exemplified by his application, 8nodes, which serves as a workflow generator for N8n, currently attracting around 500 users. He utilizes multiple distribution channels, including his YouTube channel and contributions to AI communities, to promote his tools. Although 8nodes is not yet generating revenue, Dackam is focused on improving the product's speed, which he identifies as a critical pain point for users. He tracks user engagement metrics daily to inform his optimization efforts.The episode also addresses the balance between rapid prototyping and maintaining product reliability and compliance. Dackam asserts that he builds with an SOC 2 compliance mindset, ensuring that user data is handled securely. He discusses the challenges of scalability and uptime, noting that he relies on services like AWS and Vercel to manage these aspects effectively. By separating his landing page from the application, he ensures that marketing efforts remain uninterrupted even if the app experiences downtime.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service leaders, Dackam's approach highlights the potential for rapid development cycles while maintaining a focus on security and compliance. His insights into the challenges of integrating AI into business processes underscore the need for organizations to understand their workflows before adopting automation solutions. As businesses navigate the complexities of AI deployment, the emphasis on iterative improvement and user feedback can inform strategies for successful product development and market fit.  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI proof-of-concept projects are facing high failure rates, with a recent Omdia survey indicating that nearly one-third of companies report complete failures in these initiatives. Only 9% of firms successfully transition more than half of their AI projects into operational use, while 46% manage to move over 10% into production. The primary reason for these failures is not the technology itself but rather a lack of clearly defined business problems that AI could address. Additionally, only 32% of companies have identified specific human tasks that AI should supplement or replace, highlighting a significant gap in strategic planning for AI integration.The demand for AI skills testing in the workplace has surged, with a 166% increase reported over the past year, according to Test Guerrilla. This trend reflects a growing recognition among employers that traditional hiring methods, such as resumes and interviews, are inadequate for assessing actual candidate capabilities. The 2025 State of Skills-Based Hiring Report reveals that 71% of employers believe skills testing is a more accurate predictor of job performance than resumes. However, a concerning statistic shows that 93% of candidates are not questioned about their AI skills during interviews, indicating a disconnect between hiring practices and the skills needed in the evolving tech landscape.In related developments, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as a beneficial communication solution for small and mid-sized businesses, despite the technology being well-established for over a decade. Corsica Technologies has acquired Accountability IT, enhancing its capabilities in AI-enabled managed IT and cybersecurity, while Morgan Franklin Cyber has acquired Lynx Technology Partners to bolster its governance, risk, and compliance services. These acquisitions reflect a trend of consolidation in the managed services sector, emphasizing the need for IT service providers to adapt to changing market demands.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service leaders, these developments underscore the importance of aligning technology initiatives with clear business outcomes. As organizations increasingly seek to implement AI solutions, MSPs must guide clients in defining specific problems that AI can solve and ensuring that their teams are equipped with the necessary skills. The emphasis on skills testing and the strategic integration of technologies like VoIP and AI highlights the need for operational maturity and expertise in navigating the complexities of modern IT environments. Failure to adapt could result in missed opportunities and increased competition from larger, more agile providers. Four things to know today00:00 New Reports Show AI Failing in Deployment and Hiring Due to Strategy Gaps, Not Technology Limitations05:10 U.S. Chamber Endorses VoIP for SMBs as Corsica and MorganFranklin Expand Through Cybersecurity Acquisitions09:03 Vendors Target MSP Operational Pressure With Faster File Workflows, White-Label Staffing, and AI-Powered Search12:37 AI Isn’t Failing—Organizations Are: New Research Calls Out Siloes, Leadership Gaps, and Poor Workflow Design This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://scalepad.com/dave/https://timezest.com/mspradio/  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New research indicates that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding beyond established guidelines, with significant implications for IT leadership and security. A study from UpGuard reveals that over 80% of employees in sectors like finance and healthcare are utilizing unauthorized AI tools, often referred to as shadow AI. This trend raises security concerns, as nearly half of these employees report regular use of these unapproved tools, with one in four trusting AI more than their colleagues. The findings suggest that while AI is becoming integral to business operations, the lack of clear ownership and governance poses risks for organizations.The evolving role of IT leaders is highlighted by a report from Atera, which shows that 63% of IT leaders are experiencing changes in their responsibilities due to AI advancements. Notably, 49% of respondents emphasize the importance of guiding business value leadership, while 47% recognize the need for orchestrating human-AI collaboration. Despite these shifts, only 12% of IT leaders report that AI ownership is clearly defined within their organizations, indicating a gap in governance that could exacerbate the risks associated with shadow AI.In addition to these developments, the episode discusses the financial landscape for managed service providers (MSPs) as outlined in a report from TopDown Ventures. The report forecasts that managed AI platforms will evolve into a $1.3 trillion market by 2030, driven by the demand for efficiency and governance. Furthermore, 418 publicly traded companies have identified AI as a significant reputational risk, with concerns about misinformation and security exposure. Despite these risks, companies are increasing their AI investments, with average spending reportedly doubling in 2024.For MSPs and IT service leaders, the implications are clear. The rapid adoption of AI necessitates a structured approach to governance and security to mitigate risks associated with shadow AI. As organizations navigate the complexities of AI integration, there is an opportunity for IT service providers to offer solutions that standardize AI usage and ensure compliance. The evolving landscape underscores the need for proactive strategies to harness AI's potential while maintaining control and oversight.  Three things to know today00:00 Consumer AI Habits Spill Into the Workplace: High Trust, High Risk, and Little Ownership Across Organizations06:49 Investors Push MSPs Toward AI-Orchestrated Platforms While SEC Filings Flag Growing AI Reputational Threats11:08 OpenAI Pushes GPT-5.1 as Model Volatility Rises While Fei-Fei Li’s Marble Targets Practical 3D Digital Twins This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://scalepad.com/dave/https://try.auvik.com/dave-switch  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The expiration of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) on September 30, 2025, has resulted in a notable decline in U.S. cyber defense capabilities, with a reported drop of over 70% in the sharing of threat indicators. This lapse has created a legal and operational vacuum, leading to increased delays in alert dissemination and a rise in cyber threats, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare and energy. Federal agencies and private companies are now hesitant to report incidents without the liability protections that CISA previously provided, resulting in a fragmented response to cyber threats.In response to the growing concerns over cybersecurity, the U.S. Congress has included a provision in the federal government shutdown legislation to extend CISA through the end of January 2026. This extension is crucial for facilitating the sharing of threat data between businesses and government agencies. Meanwhile, the Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill introduced in the UK mandates that medium and large IT management and cybersecurity service providers comply with minimum security standards, reflecting a shift towards greater accountability in protecting critical infrastructure.Additionally, Microsoft and 1Password are advancing passwordless technology, with Microsoft enabling the syncing of passkeys across devices and 1Password integrating a new native Passkeys plugin API for Windows 11. These developments aim to enhance user convenience and security, signaling a shift away from traditional password reliance. EasyDMARC has also launched Touchpoint, an AI-driven sales enablement tool for MSPs, while Enable has introduced a cyber warranty program offering financial protection for cyber incidents.For MSPs and IT service leaders, these developments underscore the importance of adapting to evolving cybersecurity regulations and technologies. The expiration of CISA highlights the need for private networks and MSPs to fill the intelligence gap left by government agencies. As compliance requirements tighten in the UK and the U.S., MSPs that can navigate these changes and assist clients in maintaining security and compliance will find significant opportunities in a rapidly changing landscape. Three things to know today00:00 U.S. Cyber Defense Falters as CISA Act Expires, Threat Sharing Plummets 70% Amid Budget Cuts04:35 Compliance Crossroads: New EU, UK, and U.S. Rules Reshape Data Protection and Cybersecurity for MSPs09:42 Vendors Push Simpler, Smarter Security: Microsoft Syncs Passkeys, N-able Adds Cyber Warranty, EasyDMARC Targets MSP Sales This is the Business of Tech.     Supported by:  https://getflexpoint.com/msp-radio/https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ChatGPT and Microsoft CoPilot are leading the enterprise AI adoption race, with 67% and 58% of businesses utilizing these tools, respectively, according to a study by the Wharton Human AI Research Program. This trend highlights a significant gap between these dominant players and competitors like Claude, Perplexity, and DeepSeek, which have much lower adoption rates. Despite the rapid integration of generative AI into corporate environments, a report from Salesforce indicates that 63% of business leaders consider their organizations data-driven, yet many express uncertainty about their data's reliability and the ability to generate actionable insights.Further complicating the landscape, a report from Ernst & Young reveals that while 75% of UK CEOs recognize the urgency of adopting generative AI, 68% admit to lacking a clear understanding of the technology. This disconnect poses risks for organizations as they navigate AI implementation, particularly in terms of data governance and the potential for costly mistakes in acquisitions and partnerships. The report emphasizes the need for IT providers to assist clients in validating vendors and ensuring responsible AI usage.In addition to enterprise AI developments, the episode discusses the shortcomings of current AI benchmarking practices, with only 16% of evaluated benchmarks employing rigorous scientific methods. This raises concerns about the reliability of claims made by AI vendors regarding their models' capabilities. The episode also highlights the cautious approach of small and medium-sized businesses towards AI in cybersecurity, with only 12% trusting AI to operate autonomously, primarily due to concerns over accuracy and data privacy.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service leaders, the key takeaway is the importance of building trust in AI technologies. As the market sees an influx of new models, such as China's KimiK2, which claims to outperform established models at a fraction of the cost, the focus should be on validating these tools and ensuring they meet organizational needs. By prioritizing data governance and compliance, MSPs can position themselves as essential partners in helping clients navigate the complexities of AI adoption and implementation. Four things to know today 00:00 AI Goes Corporate: ChatGPT and Copilot Dominate Adoption as Leaders Struggle With Data Trust and Strategy04:53 Faulty AI Tests and Failing Trust: Oxford Study and Kaseya Report Expose the Gap Between Hype and Reality07:46 From Newsrooms to Courtrooms, AI Adoption Exposes a Trust Gap — and a New Opportunity for IT Providers11:11 AI Divide Widens: China’s Free Kimi K2 Model Challenges GPT-5 While Google Locks Users Into a Data-Driven Ecosystem This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://try.auvik.com/dave-switchhttps://timezest.com/mspradio/  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. job market is experiencing a gradual slowdown, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.36% in October 2025, according to estimates from the Chicago Federal Reserve. Despite an increase in layoff announcements, initial unemployment claims remain low at 229,000, indicating some stability. Major companies like Amazon, UPS, and Target have announced significant job cuts, but studies suggest these layoffs are not primarily driven by artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. Instead, financial pressures and a lack of productivity gains from AI are cited as the main factors, with 96% of businesses reporting no significant efficiency improvements from AI implementations.Trust in generative AI is growing, with 48% of respondents expressing complete trust in these systems, compared to only 18% for traditional AI. However, only 40% of organizations are investing in governance and ethical safeguards, raising concerns about complacency rather than genuine trust. Gartner predicts that by 2026, half of companies will require AI-free critical thinking skills assessments, reflecting a growing dependency on AI. Additionally, a trend of rehiring laid-off employees suggests that the anticipated efficiency gains from AI may not be materializing as expected.The episode also highlights the transition of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to AI-powered personal computers, driven more by the end of Windows 10 support than by a desire for AI features. Over 60% of SMBs prioritize performance, reliability, and security in their purchasing decisions. Managed service providers (MSPs) are positioned as essential partners in guiding these businesses through the upgrade process, especially as hiring slows and automation becomes more critical.For MSPs and IT service leaders, the key takeaway is to focus on delivering tangible value rather than succumbing to AI hype. As companies seek reliable solutions amidst economic uncertainties, MSPs can capitalize on the opportunity to provide guidance on effective technology implementations, compliance, and governance. The evolving landscape underscores the importance of building trust through measurable results and strategic partnerships, particularly as hyperscalers like Google and AWS enhance their AI infrastructure capabilities.  Four things to know today00:00 Everyone’s Blaming AI for Layoffs — But the Real Problem Is Old-Fashioned Economics04:35 Generative AI Gains Global Trust, But Weak Governance and Deferred Spending Signal Market Correction Ahead09:29 SMBs Upgrade for Security, Not AI — MSPs Poised to Benefit as Hiring Stalls and Demand for Guidance Rises12:41 Google Unveils Ironwood AI Chip as AWS Expands MSP Program — Hyperscalers Double Down on AI Infrastructure and Partner Enablement This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://scalepad.com/dave/https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brantley Pearce, Chief Technology Officer at RJ Young, discussed the integration of IT services, workflow automation, and workplace technology within the managed services sector. RJ Young, a 70-year-old organization with approximately 700 employees, has been providing managed services since 2012 and has seen significant growth, now generating $12 billion in revenue. The company emphasizes a collaborative approach, utilizing account managers as liaisons who work alongside specialists to deliver tailored solutions that meet client needs while maintaining operational efficiency.The conversation highlighted the growing importance of compliance, particularly in relation to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for Department of Defense contractors. RJ Young is actively engaging in this area, recognizing the demand for compliance services among small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that often lack adequate security measures. Additionally, the firm is focusing on enhancing clients' security postures through network segmentation and the implementation of Security Operations Center (SOC) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services.Pearce also addressed the challenges of workflow automation, noting that many organizations struggle to implement these solutions due to their day-to-day operational demands. While there is interest in AI and automation, the most effective solutions are those that are already integrated into existing platforms. The need for human involvement in understanding and optimizing business processes remains critical, as many clients are too occupied with immediate tasks to focus on long-term improvements.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service leaders, the discussion underscores the necessity of evolving service offerings to include compliance and security solutions while maintaining a human-centric approach. As automation technologies advance, the ability to provide strategic guidance and personalized service will differentiate successful MSPs in a competitive landscape. Engaging clients in meaningful conversations about their business goals and challenges will be essential for fostering long-term partnerships and driving growth.  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI adoption is accelerating among small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), with 87% of executives believing it will transform their operations within a year. However, only 29% feel their teams are prepared to implement AI effectively. This gap highlights a significant challenge for organizations that have invested in AI without seeing tangible returns. Anurag Agarwal, founder of TechAisle, emphasizes that while there are pockets of ROI in sectors like retail and healthcare, many SMBs struggle with data readiness and understanding their business processes, which hinders effective AI integration.The conversation also delves into the evolving relationship between vendors and partners, particularly regarding market development funds (MDF). Traditional MDF models are becoming obsolete as partners demand outcome-based funding, training, and co-development opportunities. Research indicates that 83% of MSPs prioritize investments that enhance capabilities and drive customer success. This shift reflects a broader trend where partners seek to align their funding requests with measurable business outcomes rather than activity-based metrics.Additionally, the episode addresses the concept of "platform inshittification," where dominant vendors may degrade user experiences to extract more value from partners and customers. This raises concerns for MSPs reliant on these platforms, as they may face risks such as reduced margins or direct competition from vendors. Agarwal advises MSPs to define their value beyond mere access to tools, positioning themselves as business efficiency consultants who can integrate various solutions to meet customer needs.For MSPs and IT service leaders, the implications are clear: they must enhance their own capabilities in data management and business process understanding to effectively leverage AI. Furthermore, as vendors shift towards outcome-based funding models, MSPs should prepare to present clear business plans that demonstrate how investments will lead to measurable results. This proactive approach will be essential for maintaining competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.