I also have some items from ConnectWise’s IT Nation Connect last week.
I want to highlight Rich Freeman’s coverage in Channelholic, which focuses on ConnectWise’s Asio platform, which offers a consolidated data layer and plug-and-play services and is evolving into a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) for vendors and startups to build on. With the addition of AI and robotic process automation components, ConnectWise is betting on a hyper-automation strategy. The company aims to provide an innovation platform for MSP solutions in the cloud, allowing vendors to integrate and build products without making significant investments. ConnectWise’s open ecosystem approach contrasts with Kaseya’s end-to-end play.
I had insight into what would be announced (thank you, ConnectWise, and I do honor embargos, for you vendor listeners), so I was well prepared for interviews before the show started. You’ll get several of those next week.
I noted going in that the company was only announcing products that were being launched then and, in particular, was rolling out ConnectWise Sidekick. This fully formed AI chatbot interfaces across their products. I was expecting a substantial response to this. It was met with muted applause. And this was after ConnectWise supplied drinks on the way in.
ConnectWise’s team was surprised.
Jason Magee: “Yeah. Look, I don’t disagree. I was actually scratching my head all week on that. But then again, even this morning, even Jesse who has a lot more energy than I do, right, and he’s an entertainer of sorts. You know, he had to work to get the crowd up. “
There was some online pushback around investment in other products. I asked about that.
Jason Magee: I wouldn’t call it the legacy, but the platforms, right, connect those platforms with some of the new ASIO stuff. It is balanced, right? We’re still kind of tweaking modifying that balance. But I would say the day two keynote with the GMs, that we highlighted a lot of what investments we’ve made partner feedback that we’ve received over time, and we actually delivered, right, so updated project management, updated procurement, CPQ outbursts, yes, CPQ updates and other things.
Why do we care?
For two and a half days, business was conducted. The show was lively, and from my sources, real deals were done. M&A was discussed, deals inched closer to completion, vendors signed partners, and product discussions were had. ConnectWise ran an excellent event. And perhaps the days of flashy, overhyped events are behind us. Apple, king of the splashy announcements, only released products in choreographed marketing videos.
I think the muted response speaks more to the maturity and cynicism of the MSP community rather than a statement on ConnectWise.
This was a grown-up event, in much the way I would describe the Consumer Electronics Show. You go to get work done, not to be blown away. ConnectWise deserves credit for the mature event they delivered, including having substantial products entering the market. Their big bet on a platform may pay off, and Rich is right to spend time on it. So far, they aren’t being rewarded with online buzz. Perhaps most important is that those engaged with them did real business.
One other observation. Evergreen, that investment platform buying up MSPs, acted like a vendor, sponsored the show, and looked to gain attention by hiring Montell Jordan for a one-song performance. That’s how serious PE is about being competitive to buy providers – spending serious cash just for attention. That’s something to note.