Pax8 has announced the release of “The Managed Intelligence Provider Playbook,” a strategic guide aimed at helping managed service providers evolve into managed intelligence providers. This guide is particularly timely as small and mid-sized businesses increasingly adopt autonomous artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency. The playbook outlines five key strategies—Discover, Buy, Build, Sell, and Manage—that managed service providers can utilize to monetize artificial intelligence through outcome-driven services. According to Gartner, global spending on artificial intelligence services is projected to reach $644 billion in 2025, highlighting a significant opportunity for providers to capture market growth by offering strategic consulting and vertical expertise beyond traditional IT services. Scott Chasin, Chief Executive Officer of Pax8, emphasized that the playbook empowers partners to lead in managed intelligence, delivering measurable business outcomes rather than just technology to their clients.
A recent survey by OpenText reveals a significant gap between the growing demand for artificial intelligence and the readiness of managed service providers. The survey, which included over 1,000 respondents, found that 92 percent of managed service providers reported that AI is already driving business growth, with 96 percent anticipating continued growth throughout the year. However, confidence in guiding customers on AI tools has dropped dramatically, with fewer than half feeling fully prepared, compared to 90 percent last year. This highlights a critical moment for managed service providers as they strive to operationalize AI amidst rapidly evolving customer expectations and internal pressures.
Why do we care?
So, Pax8 is really trying to make fetch happen. They’ve rolled out this “Managed Intelligence Provider Playbook,” which sounds like a mix between a sci-fi title and a rebranding workshop. The idea? Help MSPs become “managed intelligence providers.”
Look, I get it. Pax8’s not wrong about the direction. Clients want outcomes, not infrastructure. They want to see AI tied to measurable results—productivity, revenue, customer satisfaction. Totally right idea. But the branding? Painfully awkward. You don’t need a new label to do what MSPs should have been doing all along—delivering business outcomes.
Meanwhile, OpenText says 92% of providers are seeing growth from AI, but fewer than half feel confident guiding customers. That’s a massive confidence drop in one year. Pax8 sees that gap and wants to fill it with a playbook—and, of course, more marketplace transactions.
Here’s the problem: we’re in a bubble. The AI services market looks huge on paper, but most SMBs aren’t writing six-figure checks for “intelligence.” So instead of chasing a new buzzword, focus on what actually sells—clarity, outcomes, and trust. Call yourself whatever you want. Just make sure you’re selling results, not hype.