Let’s do some channel vendor stuff.
ScalePad has purchased Managed Services Business Intelligenece vendor Cognition360. No terms of the deal were disclosed. Cognition360’s solution helps MSPs compare themselves to best practice benchmarks in areas ranging from the agreement and customer profitability to technician efficiency and service delivery by using machine learning, predictive AI, and anonymous data from some 100 million ConnectWise PSA.
Pia AiDesk, which I mentioned when they launched, has been added by ThreatLocker to its list of trusted applications.
Acronis has updated its partner program, with a new Advanced Packs promotion, to pilot services such as advanced security, management, email security, disaster recovery, and data loss prevention and reimburse the costs for the initial six months of offering. Acronis also has introduced the Competitive Displacement Program. It helps MSPs to migrate their clients to Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud with a 100% rebate on Acronis usage until the end of the remaining contract with their current vendor.
I spotted a new player in the SaaS management space – HYCU, a product designed to help SaaS vendors integrate backup into their products. It’s a low-code offering that allows quick integration into a SaaS product.
And finally, in vendor moves, Microsoft has provided more information on a Windows update designed to help identify how many PCs are running old versions of Office 2013, 2010, and 2007. The update comes ahead of the end of support for Office 2013, which arrives on April 11. Microsoft is also retiring Microsoft Teams Free (classic) and encouraging moves to Microsoft Teams Essentials for $4 per user a month. There will, confusingly, be a Microsoft Teams free.
If I squint a lot, ScalePad is building a data analytics operation. Their products are observation ones, from warranty data to backups and ticket flow. So that’s why we care.
Pia’s shown up a lot in my feed lately, and it’s an AI play too. We’ll see how much.
Acronis is the darkhorse fourth platform for MSPs, and they’re leaning into taking market share. That’s why we care.
I will add a bit of snark – when deal terms aren’t disclosed, you should assume it’s just a six-pack of beer. Why? Because often withholding the deal terms is a sign they are not a lot when the vendor wants you to think it’s a lot more. One’s natural inclination is to assume it’s a large number. Assume it’s very little. It changes your perspective on acquisition.