Let’s get some alternative perspectives with weekend big ideas.
Channelholic looked at how Partners in the tech channel are increasingly favoring fewer vendor relationships due to the decline of resale, the rise of marketplaces, and the support from distributors. This shift is empowering partners, who now seek vendors that can help them achieve business outcomes rather than just product sales. Additionally, advancements in AI, such as Atera’s Copilot 2.0, enhance operational efficiency for managed service providers. As a side note, I was the guest on Rich’s MSP Chat podcast, which should be released this week.
One Useful Thing examined the rapid advancements in AI over the past 21 months since the launch of ChatGPT, highlighting improvements in image generation and language models. It discussed the impact of the Plaza Accord on Japan’s economy, the evolution of AI technologies, and the swift adoption of AI tools among individuals, educators, and knowledge workers. The author emphasizes the uncertainty of AI’s future while acknowledging the significant changes already observed.
The article “The AI Hangover is Here – The End of the Beginning” discusses the current state of AI following a period of excitement, highlighting a market correction and the challenges of generative AI, including its non-deterministic nature and high costs. Despite these issues, AI is expected to remain relevant as companies like Apple and Google develop user-friendly applications. Integrating AI into enterprise workflows presents challenges, particularly cybersecurity, where new tools must be carefully managed to mitigate risks. Opportunities for AI in identity and access management are emerging, but organizations must remain vigilant about security implications as AI technology evolves.
Finally, “Four Megatrends MSPs should track to stay relevant.” Business executives are increasingly concerned about four megatrends: climate issues, workforce changes, IT risks, and supply chain disruptions. Many recognize the need for greater resiliency in the face of climate-related risks and IT outages, with many investing in cybersecurity and workforce reskilling. MSPs can engage executives by addressing these risks and demonstrating their ability to help navigate global disruptions and enhance supply chain management.
Why do we care?
Can you focus your business on fewer vendors and be more efficient? It’s a great question to explore.
AI needs to deliver on business outcomes, and we’re entering that stage of the technology development. It’s an exciting time, and one where those with discipline not to fall for hype will do very well.
But more importantly, consider those four megatrends. None of them are pure technology.
