Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

James D. Wilton, founder of Monovate and author of "Capturing Value," dives into the dynamic world of SaaS pricing strategies. He discusses the shift toward value-based and outcome-based pricing models, stressing their relevance to service businesses as well. Wilton highlights the challenges of implementing outcome-based pricing, emphasizing the need for clear success metrics. He also presents the idea of service providers as incubators for client growth, prompting a reevaluation of how to charge for long-term value.

The episode delves into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity, particularly focusing on the rise of AI-driven phishing attacks. Bryant G. Tow, Chief Security Officer at LeapFrog Services, discusses how cybercriminals are leveraging generative AI to create more convincing phishing schemes, which can lead to identity theft. Despite the advancements in attack methods, Tao emphasizes that the fundamental defenses against these threats remain unchanged. He highlights the importance of understanding the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the necessity for organizations to adapt their security measures accordingly. Tow elaborates on the concept of an "arms race" in cybersecurity, where defenders must continuously improve their strategies to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated attacks. He points out that while phishing remains a common entry point for cyber threats, the use of AI is transforming these attacks into more personalized and effective schemes. The conversation shifts to the implications of deepfake technology, which can create realistic impersonations of individuals, further complicating the security landscape. Tao warns that the ability to produce convincing deepfake videos and audio can lead to significant risks for organizations. The discussion also touches on the challenges of insider threats, particularly when employees intentionally disregard security policies. Tao stresses the importance of establishing clear acceptable use policies and implementing a zero-trust framework to mitigate these risks. He notes that most insider threats are accidental, but organizations must be prepared to address malicious actions as well. Effective governance, training, and monitoring are essential components in managing insider threats and ensuring compliance with security protocols. Finally, the episode highlights the evolving role of government agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in addressing cybersecurity challenges. Tow reflects on recent changes in leadership and the potential for new perspectives on cybersecurity governance. He expresses hope that the shift in focus will lead to more accessible resources and support for organizations navigating the complex landscape of cyber threats. The conversation underscores the need for continuous adaptation and vigilance in the face of emerging technologies and evolving attack methods.  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amazon has announced the discontinuation of its video conferencing service, Chime, effective February 20, 2026, opting instead to adopt Zoom and Microsoft 365 for its internal operations. This decision follows a billion-dollar deal with Microsoft for 365, reflecting a significant shift in Amazon's approach to enterprise communication. The transition to Zoom is seen as a strategic move, as Chime struggled to gain traction in the market. This endorsement of Zoom strengthens its position in the enterprise communications sector, while Microsoft 365's integration aligns with a broader trend of companies gravitating towards Microsoft's ecosystem.Zoom has recently launched new automation tools, including the Zoom Workflow Automation, designed to enhance productivity by allowing users to automate routine tasks with the help of AI. This tool integrates seamlessly with third-party applications like Jira, enabling automated actions such as generating meeting summaries. Additionally, Zoom has introduced the Zoom Up Services Program, which aims to enhance partner revenue opportunities and improve post-sales success. This program represents a shift towards a more partner-centric approach, allowing partners to unlock new revenue streams and deliver exceptional solutions.In the realm of cybersecurity, Right of Boom has partnered with the Center for Internet Security to launch a comprehensive training course aimed at managed service providers. This course, featuring 300 modules and a certification test, is designed to help providers master essential cybersecurity controls amidst increasing cyber threats. While the course's certification may not hold significant value for customers, its ties to highly regarded CIS frameworks and practical lab components make it a relevant option for providers looking to enhance their skills and showcase their security proficiency.On the technology front, Microsoft has made strides in quantum computing with its new Majorana 1 processor, which could potentially accommodate one million qubits. This advancement, made possible through the development of a new material and architecture, represents a significant milestone in quantum computing. However, experts caution that while this breakthrough is promising, practical applications are still years away. The podcast also highlights rising concerns in cybersecurity, with a report indicating an increase in endpoint malware detections, emphasizing the need for organizations to adopt AI-powered threat detection solutions to combat evolving threats. Four things to know today 00:00 With Chime Gone, Amazon Bets on Zoom and Microsoft 365—Meanwhile, Zoom Doubles Down on AI and Partnerships04:27 Right of Boom’s New Course Targets MSP Security Gaps, But Will It Gain Traction?05:57 From Malware Surges to Microsoft’s Mixed Messaging—Security Challenges Mount07:57 Quantum Computing Breakthrough? Microsoft’s Majorana 1 Aims for a Million Qubits  Supported by:  https://getflexpoint.com/msp-radio/ Event: : https://www.nerdiocon.com/  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A groundbreaking new backup appliance for managed service providers has been unveiled, boasting remarkable speed and a user-friendly cancellation model. Apple introduces its first in-house modem, the C1, promising top-notch 5G performance while moving away from Qualcomm's technology. The latest in AI is discussed with the launch of Grok 3, highlighting advanced capabilities in evolving digital landscapes. Meanwhile, potential acquisitions in the cybersecurity space hint at significant shifts in strategy for major players.

Acer's CEO Jason Chen announced a significant price increase for laptops in the United States, set to rise by 10% starting in March 2025. This decision is attributed to the incoming tariffs from the Trump administration, which are expected to impact products imported after February. The Consumer Technology Association estimates that this price hike could cost U.S. consumers a staggering $143 billion, as 80% of laptop imports come from China. Major brands, including Apple, Dell, and HP, are likely to be affected, with Acer's high-end gaming laptop, the Predator Triton, seeing a price jump from $3,799 to $4,178.The implications of these price increases extend beyond consumer costs, affecting IT service providers and their procurement strategies. As hardware costs rise, businesses may shift towards longer device life cycles, focusing on maintenance and upgrades rather than frequent hardware refreshes. This shift could also boost the refurbished and used hardware markets as companies seek to mitigate costs. IT service providers must prepare for pricing volatility and engage in discussions with clients about alternative solutions to navigate these changes effectively.In addition to the laptop price hike, the podcast discusses the ongoing encryption battle involving Apple and the U.K. government's request for a backdoor into iCloud data. U.S. lawmakers have expressed strong opposition to this request, warning that it could compromise the security of American data and set a dangerous precedent for data sovereignty. The potential modifications to the 2018 Cloud Act could complicate data requests from foreign governments, raising concerns about localized data storage and compliance.Lastly, the episode highlights new developments in the managed service provider (MSP) market, including CompTIA's launch of the CloudNetX certification aimed at senior IT professionals and ZofiQ's AI-driven solution for help desk efficiency. The podcast also covers Xtreme Networks' introduction of a consumption-based billing model for MSPs and AvePoint's new platform designed to enhance revenue streams for service providers. These innovations reflect the evolving landscape of IT services, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strategic planning in response to market changes.Four things to know today00:00 Sticker Shock Incoming: Acer Says Laptop Prices Are Going Up—And It’s Just the Beginning04:09 Apple’s Encryption Battle Heats Up—Will Governments Force a Backdoor into Your Data?06:46 CompTIA Enters the High-Level Cloud Cert Game—But Will MSPs and IT Pros Buy In?Supported by:  https://syncromsp.com/Event: https://www.nerdiocon.com/  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Small businesses across the United States are grappling with the effects of tariffs imposed on imports, particularly from China, Canada, and Mexico. These tariffs have led to increased manufacturing costs, prompting many business owners to raise prices for consumers. The situation is exacerbated by rising inflation, with the consumer price index showing a significant increase, particularly in grocery prices. As small businesses face these challenges, they are likely to tighten IT spending and seek lower-cost solutions, viewing IT as an administrative cost rather than a revenue driver.The software-as-a-service (SaaS) market is experiencing notable growth, especially in the vertical SaaS segment, which has outpaced general SaaS applications. This growth is driven by businesses seeking industry-specific solutions to address unique challenges. Companies like Clio, which provides legal SaaS solutions, are capitalizing on this trend, achieving significant valuations. The demand for specialized consulting services in vertical SaaS is also increasing, as managed service providers aim to maintain a competitive edge in a complex ecosystem.In Germany, the IT market is projected to grow significantly, driven by the adoption of IT solutions among small and medium enterprises. However, the country faces a talent shortage that hampers recruitment efforts. The integration of artificial intelligence in research is on the rise, with a notable percentage of researchers adopting AI technologies. This shift towards Industry 5.0 emphasizes a human-centric approach to production, creating both opportunities and challenges for IT service providers.Recent research indicates that large language models can learn complex reasoning tasks effectively without extensive datasets, challenging the notion that massive data is necessary for fine-tuning AI models. This finding could lower the cost and resource burden for enterprises looking to customize AI solutions. Meanwhile, Kaseya is exploring options to raise nearly $4 billion in leveraged loans to refinance existing debt, highlighting the financial pressures companies face in balancing debt management with product investment. The implications of these financial strategies could affect the ability of companies to innovate and invest in their product offerings. Four things to know today00:00 Inflation Bites, Tariffs Sting—Can SaaS and Automation Keep SMBs Afloat?04:47 AI, Industry 5.0, and IT Growth: Germany’s Tech Expansion Meets a Talent Shortage07:37 Less Data, More Smarts? Study Says LLMs Don’t Need Massive Datasets to Learn09:07 $4B in Loans? Kaseya’s Balancing Act Between Expansion and ExpenseSupported by: https://getnerdio.com/nerdio-manager-for-msp/Event: https://www.nerdiocon.com/  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Justin Kane, Founder and CEO of DoubleCheck, is transforming cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with a cost-effective, specialized approach. He discusses how many SMBs can now manage basic IT themselves, allowing DoubleCheck to focus on security. The conversation highlights the importance of tailored cybersecurity solutions and the role of business owners in risk management. Kane also emphasizes the balance between automation and human oversight in enhancing security while keeping services affordable and accessible.

Nelson Gomes, CEO of Portalia Group and seasoned MSP leader, delves into the shifting landscape of managed service providers as larger companies dominate the job market. He stresses the need for MSPs to recalibrate their sales focus towards bigger businesses and adapt their digital marketing strategies. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by tech giants and leadership changes within major MSP platforms like ConnectWise and Kaseya, suggesting these shifts could drive innovation in the industry.

Dell's decision to enforce full office returns has sparked employee dissatisfaction, highlighting tensions between employer demands and worker needs. Meanwhile, Google workers voice job security fears amid layoffs, fitting into a broader anxiety within the tech sector. Despite a push for in-person work, data suggests strong demand for remote options in high-demand fields. Additionally, Microsoft's advancements in AI raise questions about software testing and the importance of understanding tech policies and customer needs.

Managed service providers are struggling, with 18% now operating at a loss, raising concerns about traditional service contracts. A shift towards transactional IT spending is noticed amid slower revenue growth. In AI, a report highlights a governance gap, where many leaders fear security risks but lack preparedness. OpenAI is set to launch GPT-4.5 and GPT-5, aiming to enhance functionality and address these challenges. The podcast delves into the integration of AI in security solutions, advocating for AI that complements existing systems.