The content team at the MSP Summit site tracks stories of interest to the managed services provider community. Anyone selling managed services or partnering with MSPs will want to know about these developing stories or catch up on ones they have missed. With the help of ChatGPT, Claude and AI tools our parent Informa has developed, we're tracking top stories based on web traffic, mentions, impressions, reposts, and social media engagement. All links are current as of Oct 6.
Survey Finds gap Between AI Demand and MSP Readiness
A survey of more than 1,000 MSPs shows that while 92 % say AI is driving business growth, fewer than half feel fully confident guiding clients on AI tools. The survey also reported 95% of MSPs say their customers are exploring or actively adopting Microsoft Copilot. Read the MSSP Alert story.
Microsoft Names Cisco Alum to Lead Channel Sales
After nearly 11 years at Cisco, Alexandra Zagury has joined Microsoft as corporate vice president of global channel sales. Zagury led Cisco's managed services and as-a-service sales strategy from 2020 to 2024. She most recently worked as vice president of global partner operations and platform experience. Read the Channel Futures story.
CompassMSP Continues Expansion with Simplegrid Acquisition
CompassMSP acquired Simplegrid Technology in a move to bolster its services for highly regulated industries and cybersecurity. The move comes seven months after Agellus Capital acquired CompassMSP and merged it with BlackPoint IT. Compass MSP (No. 83) and Simplegrid (No. 222) are on the 2025 MSP 501. Read the Channel Futures story.
Ekco Strengthens UK Presence with Solsoft Acquisition
Ekco has acquired Bristol-based managed service provider Solsoft, marking its third acquisition in 2025. This deal enhances Ekco's presence in the south-west UK and adds more SME-focused expertise to its portfolio. Solsoft is No. 211 on the 2025 MSP 501. Read the Computer Weekly story.
Verizon Gets New CEO, Chairman
Verizon changed CEOs and made changes to its board Monday, naming former PayPal executive Dan Schulman CEO. Schulman replaces Hans Vestberg as CEO and chairman. Verizon’s board of directors elected Mark Bertolini to the role of chairman. Bertolini, CEO of health insurance tech company Oscar Health, has been a Verizon board member since 2015. Vestberg will serve as a special advisor until Oct. 4, 2026, to help with the integration of the Frontier Communications acquisition. He will also remain on the board of directors until the company's next annual meeting. Read the Light Reading story.
The Financialization of the Channel: A Techaisle Analysis
Analyst firm Techaisle's in-depth research, based on a survey of 4,115 partners, has discovered the long-standing era of patient, self-funded organic growth is giving way to an age of the capital-fueled land grab. An astonishing number of partners are actively seeking external capital, signaling a permanent shift from independent operators to professionally managed, financially sophisticated platforms. Read the Techaisle blog.
Microsoft Brings Azure and AppSource Together – What It Means for Partners
An analytic look at the new Microsoft Marketplace that combines Azure with AppSource. Read the ChannelE2E story.
Knowing Your Data Competitive Advantage in the Age of AI
As AI transforms the way companies approach data security, data security posture management (DSPM) and data loss prevention (DLP) are quickly becoming crucial not only for protection but also for driving growth. This story looks at the distinction between DLP and DSPM and how they reflect what is actually happening inside organizations now as they strive to keep up with AI’s reach. Read the ChannelE2E story.
Pax8 Launches Managed Intelligence Provider Guide
Pax8’s comprehensive guide to help MSPs transition into Managed Intelligence Providers (MIPs) can enable them to capitalize on the agentic economy where autonomous AI agents optimize operational processes. Read the story on Techzine.
TD Synnex Creates AI Apprenticeships
Technology distributor TD Synnex launched AI Pioneers apprenticeship program to connect college students studying AI and machine learning (ML) with TD Synnex engineers and mentors. The goal is to train and prepare future IT workers to have the specialized skills needed to deliver AI-enabled applications and services for customers and partners. Read the ChannelE2E story.