CP: What key cloud trends do partners need to have top of mind before they attend your session in November, and why?
NH: While the pandemic accelerated the digital transformation for many companies, a significant number have not migrated to the cloud. As we move into the new hybrid work environment, digital transformation will maintain a top priority as companies continue adopting cloud technology to enable their modern workplaces. Partners will remain focused on security as they work to keep their clients’ environments safe from cyber threats. Additionally, as more companies adopt digital technology, they will begin tracking, monitoring and forecasting information through advanced data analytics, enabling them to be more deliberate in their approach.
CP: What advice will you be extending to attendees about how to prep their companies for resilience?
NH: Companies must continuously improve processes to reduce overhead costs and increase efficiencies to succeed in the evolving industry. Through one-on-one expert coaching that teaches MSPs to implement best practices, create refined client experiences and develop effective sales strategies, they will achieve operational and financial maturity. Businesses with these established frameworks can quickly adapt their practices as the market shifts.
CP: What do you see coming in 2022 that partners need to prepare for now?
NH: According to a recent Cisco report, cryptomining, phishing, ransomware and trojans are the four most prominent types of cybersecurity threats. To keep their clients and themselves safe, partners should adopt a zero-trust approach to security. A comprehensive security solution comprising email security, network protection, threat detection, multifactor authentication and endpoint security is required for employees to operate safely in a remote landscape.
CP: Similarly, what two or three things should partners do now to evolve theirbusinesses?
NH: Adopting technology that provides advanced automation capabilities can greatly impact a partner’s business. The automation streamlines operations by removing manual processes comprising several human touch points, increasing productivity, security and revenue. Partners can focus on more revenue-generating activities like client projects and account acquisitions with the added time savings.
As more businesses adopt cloud technology, the need for associated services and support from their IT provider also rises. Furthermore, services offer additional revenue opportunities with high-profit margins. Partners should incorporate services into their business model to create a robust solution offering, enabling them to provide enhanced support to their clients and capitalize on this great opportunity.
CP: Other thoughts to add?
NH: The IT channel is evolving into an ecosystem of vendors, partners, and end clients, all at different stages of their buying journey. And according to Forrester, 73% of buyers find buying from a marketplace offers better convenience. As more people begin consuming cloud technology, marketplaces providing a centralized location with robust offerings and a simplified process will become common, changing how we do business.
