Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

The tradeshow event circuit is dead as it was. Don’t listen to the channel chiefs that are running around telling you it’ll be back. They want it to be back, because it’s what they have been doing for 20 years, and they are terrified of doing anything else and competing for marketing dollars. You’re selling those events? You want it too. Old school marketers who are not learning the new craft are going to keep selling you the same line they have leaned on forever, not accounting for the 8 years of ecommerce transition in just 2 months of 2020. And I hear a chorus of “Oh, people want it to come back. People are desperate for those interactions.” Listen to the full prediction on the podcast.  💼 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.

Let’s talk the big MSP players for this prediction. When I covered the impact Capital has on a market, I focused on the lack of R&D investment. PE based companies often focus on cutting expenses by headcount and anything risky, and one of those cuts is R&D. Building something new is hard, and it gets in the way of driving profitability. It’s way easier to just go buy things and roll it in than it is to build something. The second is the changing face of management. As I said back in September with Microsoft’s Lighthouse product, the future of management is that you don’t need to script it yourself, but instead configure management policies. You can see this in software development trends – serverless and codeless compute are the direction. You manage fleets of other devices not by writing scripts to control it, but by configuring policies. Which is exactly the tool Microsoft has built in their Lighthouse product. And notably, the current “MSP providers” have not. Prediction in the podcast.  💼 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.

I spend a lot of time on the show bemoaning the cybersecurity landscape. The adversaries are better organized than we are. They have a coherent business strategy, complete with Diversification of revenue. Company lifecycle management. Affiliate programs and building a distribution channel. Financial management. PR campaigns. One group this year put $1M in Bitcoin out just o prove they had the resources to payout. Another seller was listing access to the RMM platform of multiple companies for a total of $150,000. I don’t think we give enough credit to the other side in this fight, as they are well organized crime organizations. Prediction in the podcast.  💼 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.

My first prediction for 2021 is regrettably not a cheery one – if you are expecting things to bounce back right away, you’re not going to get that. The good news is that it appears that things in 2020 were not as bad as initially thought it would be – while it did look quite bad, as the year comes to a close it appears that rather than tech budgets being down about 6.3%, the year may be down only 2.5% and another .4% for 2021, per Forrester. Things continue in the podcast.....  💼 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.

A listener came with a great question. "I’m 20 years old and have been working at a help desk for about 6 months. I dont have any certifications yet and will have a associates in May of 2021. I would love to start a side hustle in the IT field to gain more real world experience and income. I love how MSP sounds but I feel like its way over my head. Should I get my certifications and help desk experience first? Or dive into a small MSP river and learn as I go?" This felt like too big a question for just me, so I asked several other MSP owners who I respect for their take. Answers from MSPs Dave DelVecchio, Amy Babinchak, Mark Essayian and Forrester's Jay McBain, plus final insights from Business of Tech Podcast host Dave Sobel.  💼 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.

Four things to know today Zoom makes a platform move, and my big prediction https://www.theinformation.com/articles/buoyed-by-video-success-zoom-explores-email-calendar-services Microsoft making its own silicon https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/microsoft-is-working-on-arm-based-chips-for-azure-surface-pcs-report?itc=refresh Verizon’s 5G … turn it off. https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/22/22196060/verizon-5g-slower-than-lte-speed-test AND SolarWinds roundup https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/city-atlanta-refuses-answer-whether-it-was-impacted-by-massive-computer-attack/F7JPGEQJKBAHVJKNBAUA35ASZY/ https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/2020/12/22/michigan-software-solarwinds-cyberattack-not-affected/4009712001/ https://www.intelligentcio.com/me/2020/12/23/qualys-offers-free-vulnerability-management-service-following-solarwinds-breach/ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-21/solarwinds-adviser-warned-of-lax-security-years-before-hack https://www.msspalert.com/cybersecurity-markets/americas/gao-audit-government-supply-chains/ https://www.darkreading.com/attacks-breaches/solarwinds-campaign-focuses-attention-on-golden-saml-attack-vector/d/d-id/1339794 https://www.scmagazine.com/home/editorial/the-solarwinds-hack-and-the-danger-of-arrogance/  💼 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.

. Four things to know today 5 steps to cloud adoption https://www.ciodive.com/news/gartner-public-cloud-framework/592495/ 3 levels of tiered IoT services https://channelnomics.com/2020/12/21/verizon-business-intros-iot-managed-services/ Two new laws to know about https://www.engadget.com/tvpa-bans-isp-rental-fees-for-owned-modems-213955005.html https://www.geekwire.com/2020/covid-19-relief-bill-change-future-game-livestreaming-u-s/ AND One SolarWinds roundup https://breakingdefense.com/2020/12/calling-solarwinds-hack-act-of-war-just-makes-it-worse/ https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/vmware-latest-to-confirm-breach-in-solarwinds-hacking-campaign/ https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/solarwinds-victims-revealed-after-cracking-the-sunburst-malware-dga/  💼 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.

Three things to know today Congress’ relief bill includes tech provisions https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/21/22193133/us-coronavirus-covid-relief-stimulus-package-broadband-huawei-zte The SolarWinds hack dominates tech https://krebsonsecurity.com/2020/12/vmware-flaw-a-vector-in-solarwinds-breach/ https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/vmware-latest-to-confirm-breach-in-solarwinds-hacking-campaign/ https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-cyber-idUSKBN28S2B9 https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2020/12/19/2003748986 https://finance.yahoo.com/news/second-hacking-team-targeting-solarwinds-174616948.html https://siliconangle.com/2020/12/20/cisco-targeted-solarwinds-attack-microsoft-uncovers-second-hacking-group/ https://www.crn.com/news/channel-programs/datto-offers-all-msps-free-scanner-to-find-signs-of-fireeye-solarwinds-hack?itc=refresh https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2020/12/18/analyzing-solorigate-the-compromised-dll-file-that-started-a-sophisticated-cyberattack-and-how-microsoft-defender-helps-protect/ AND The tech blame game worsens  💼 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.

In this interview, Dave Sobel interviews Brian Hamel, CEO of Nuvolex. The discussion ranges starts with Multi-SaaS management, the idea of RMM 2.0, and who is best positioned to make the leap to a changing business model. Link to the referenced blog: https://www.solarwindsmsp.com/blog/multi-saas-management  💼 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.

Two things to know today Research updates on why customers buy from managed services providers https://www.prweb.com/releases/infrascale_survey_reveals_that_smb_and_mid_market_business_executives_feel_more_competitive_with_the_aid_of_managed_service_providers/prweb17613790.htm AND The SolarWinds hack continues to grow and expand https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/solarwinds-hackers-breach-us-nuclear-weapons-agency/ https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-solarwinds-075020280.html https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/12/only-an-elite-few-solarwinds-hack-victims-received-follow-on-attacks/ https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/17/22188060/microsoft-president-solarwinds-orion-hack-breach-brad-smith https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/ruusian-hackers-outsmarted-us-defenses/2020/12/15/3deed840-3f11-11eb-9453-fc36ba051781_story.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/government-warns-new-hacking-tactics-russia/2020/12/17/bba43fd8-408c-11eb-a402-fba110db3b42_story.html https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/cisa-hackers-breached-us-govt-using-more-than-solarwinds-backdoor/ https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/us-think-tank-breached-three-times-in-a-row-by-solarwinds-hackers/ https://www.crn.com/news/managed-services/solarwinds-msp-to-revoke-digital-certificates-for-tools-issue-new-ones-as-breach-fallout-continues?itc=refresh  💼 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.