MSP Radio

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Latest episode

Nov 2026

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Radio for the Solution Provider Community

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10 recent

November 12, 202622 min

AI agents for MSPs: standards shift liability to operators — David Smith, Tekscape

As AI agents become embedded in client environments, the question of accountability and governance moves to the forefront for MSPs. In this episode, Dave Sobel sits down with David Smith, founder and CEO of Tekscape, to examine the practical implications of running AI agents as managed services. They explore the emerging standards for AI governance, the operational risks of deploying agents without adequate oversight, and the critical skills gap facing the channel. Drawing on Tekscape’s approach of deploying every agent internally before rolling out to clients, the discussion highlights lessons learned, frequent points of failure, and why surface-level governance tools may not meet the needs of MSPs or their customers. For IT service providers confronting the next wave of automation, this conversation raises key questions about technical capabilities, risk mitigation, and the realities of integrating AI into business operations. Source

November 12, 202624 min

Should Small MSPs Join the Better Business Bureau?

In this episode, the conversation focused on whether joining the Better Business Bureau is still worthwhile in the age of online reviews. A key theme that emerged was the evolution of vendor reputations and customer trust, with strong opinions shared about the BBB’s practices and value. The discussion also explored recent industry news, including shifts in the PSA/RMM landscape, UPS rate increases just ahead of the holidays, challenges in the auto sector with Tesla’s Cybertruck flop, and the latest from IT Nation 2026. Rounding out the episode, tales from the field offered a firsthand look at M&A activity within the MSP space, including the realities of buying and selling firms at various revenue sizes. Get ready for practical insights, real stories, and the latest trends to help your business thrive. Source

November 11, 202613 min

MSP contracts: Why fixed-fee bundles hide meter risk

This episode explores a double threat for IT service providers: increasing instability in key management platforms and the uncertainty of AI-related software costs. We look at how rapid vulnerability discovery, frequent hotfixes, and shifting to usage-based billing are disrupting the predictability MSPs rely on. The discussion focuses on the risks of bundled pricing, the importance of proactively managing metered services, and why relying on vendor defaults can undermine both margins and client trust. Source

November 10, 202613 min

MSP contracts: Why renewal timing now determines your leverage

This episode breaks down how AI is disrupting the MSP software market—making features cheap, contracts central, and incumbents vulnerable. Dave Sobel explores why renewal timing is now crucial for MSPs and why clients seek proof of security over additional tools. The discussion centers on navigating short-term flexibility, contract risks, and shifting priorities in a rapidly evolving market. Source

November 9, 202624 min

Patent disputes heighten partner uncertainty — Austin McChord

On today’s episode of The Business of Tech, Dave Sobel delves into the shifting landscape of managed services with Austin McChord, founder of Datto and interim CEO at Slide. The conversation details significant leadership changes at Slide, the ongoing patent litigation with Kaseya and Datto, and what those disputes mean for MSPs assessing platform risk. The episode also explores how rapid advancements in AI and automation are forcing both vendors and providers to rethink internal processes, accountability, and the day-to-day realities of IT service delivery. Listeners can expect a grounded analysis of strategic challenges facing MSPs—from legal exposure to operational transformation—highlighting practical lessons for navigating an industry undergoing accelerated change. Source

November 6, 202612 min

MSP operations: AI value only comes after internal process rebuilds

AI spending among channel partners is accelerating, yet most are not seeing meaningful returns. The conversation focused on the gap between investment and tangible outcomes, with few MSPs able to point to clear value from AI initiatives. The discussion explored why most results are incremental—limited to tasks like email drafting and meeting summaries—while transformative process changes remain rare. A key theme that emerged was that AI delivers value only when back-office workflows are intentionally rebuilt, a process requiring up-front investment, internal skill development, and honest assessment of failures as well as successes. The conversation also examined how permanent capital alters the competitive landscape, enabling some MSPs to take risks others cannot. For IT service providers, the takeaway is that proving results in your own operations may be the only reliable path to sustainable AI offerings for clients. Source

November 5, 202645 min

AI agents: how MSPs define value beyond vendor features — Howard Cohen, Agentic MSP

In this episode of The Business of Tech, the discussion centers on the real-world impact—and limitations—of AI within the managed services landscape. While AI dominates industry conversation, concrete case studies of MSPs actively delivering AI solutions remain elusive. Most usage is confined to basic tasks like email drafting and meeting summaries, with many providers uncertain about how to deliver measurable value beyond these “singles.” The conversation explores the practical risks, governance requirements, and evolving expectations facing MSPs experimenting with AI. Listeners will hear a candid assessment of where most efforts are stalling, why many tools are underutilized, and what it takes to move from selling “seats” to delivering business outcomes that withstand client scrutiny. If you are navigating the hype cycle and seeking actionable approaches grounded in accountability and risk mitigation, this episode provides a timely checkpoint on what’s working, what isn’t, and how to think strategically about deploying AI in your own environment. Source

November 5, 202623 min

Should Small MSPs Build a Budget or Just Wing It for 2027?

The conversation focused on emerging vulnerabilities and operational challenges tied to artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, with the Binance hack—resulting in a reported $6.4 billion loss—presented as the episode’s most consequential event. Binance leadership stated that users would not incur losses, as the company intends to recover the stolen funds from its own reserves. This... Source

November 4, 202614 min

MSP contracts: Free AI agents bring new liability unless agreements change

The episode highlights a structural shift in which MSPs face increased contractual and operational risk as vendors embed AI agents in managed IT tools by default, often without explicit customer agreements or added cost. This practice blurs accountability for AI-driven actions and outcomes. Key examples include MSP360 and Omnissa, which have activated AI agents to... Source

November 3, 202613 min

AI for MSPs: Vendors profit from activity, not resolved tickets

A structural margin pressure is emerging as AI manufacturers bill MSPs for agent activity, while MSPs are paid by clients for resolved outcomes. Companies like ConnectWise and Super IT charge based on volumes of AI-driven attempts (agent activity, token usage), creating a financial disconnect—since MSP contracts tie revenue to tickets actually solved and kept closed,... Source