Behind every powerful partner are the vendors powering their success.
For several years, we have asked MSP 501 leaders to identify their most strategic and preferred partners—in other words, the companies powering the MSP 501 and the overall MSP industry. This eye-opening research reveals the foundational technologies behind the solutions managed service providers bring to market. These technologies and services form the backbone of every MSP's recurring revenue stream, making them critically important.
In 2026, we evolved this research into the MSP 501 Power Partner Survey and Index. This represents a strategic evolution from the former Preferred Vendor Study. Accelerating this evolution has been the impact of AI-based solutions across the entire MSP technology stack. Yesterday's products and services are no longer sufficient for tomorrow's challenges.
Informa Channel Events’ 2026 MSP 501 Power Partner Survey and Index will analyze which vendors are rising or falling in usage and adoption among today's most influential MSPs, both the MSP 501 and the MSPs to Watch. The value of the Power Partner Index lies not just in identifying the top or most favored providers but also in spotting those rising in prominence, along with tech innovators that the average MSP may be overlooking.
"Vendor momentum matters because it shows where successful MSPs are placing their trust, resources, and customer commitments. For the average MSP, this data provides a useful market signal as they evaluate which suppliers are gaining relevance and delivering sustained value to their peers," said Tony Ferrigno, Founder of AiT Advisory Group.
Given the depth of our data, the Power Partner Index will include trending data that provides context as to why a specific vendor is moving in one direction or another. At a time when every MSP is examining their technology stack because of AI's impact, we believe this is the perfect time to debut new and enhanced data around providers. We will distribute part of this information for mass consumption by IT professionals, while other parts will be premium executive content with restricted access given the data's value to vendors, partners, and others. We will also disclose insights at our live events, including the MSP Summit and Channel Partners Conference & Expo.
"MSPs are constantly making decisions about which vendors, distributors, marketplaces, and technology providers deserve a place in their stack. The MSP 501 Power Partner Index provides a real-world view of where momentum is building across the channel based on the technology choices of some of the industry's most successful providers," said Len DiCostanzo, CEO of MSP Toolkit.
The new MSP 501 Power Partner Survey and Index provides critical intelligence on the vendor ecosystem powering managed service providers. This comprehensive index identifies the most influential technology vendors, distributors, and service providers that MSPs rely on to deliver services across eight essential categories: AI Providers, Security, Hyperscalers, Backup & Disaster Recovery, RMM/PSA, Distributors, Marketplaces, and Infrastructure.
The introduction of the Power Partner Index was made possible through the help and guidance of our MSP Summit Board. Perhaps this project is best summed up by Jason Rinker, director of AI business development, New Charter Technology: "One of the biggest challenges for MSP leaders today is separating market noise from meaningful momentum."
Stay tuned for more insights from the new MSP 501 Power Partner Survey and Index as we reveal company performance and key takeaways from the research. We will also be featuring these companies on our webinars and live events to help educate all channel partners.