Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Real Talk for IT Pros & MSPs)

Episode Sponsor: Thread (www.getthread.com)=== Adam Anderson, co-founder of Threat Captain, joins the podcast to discuss his company's mission and its participation in the PitchIT accelerator program. Threat Captain is a cybersecurity leadership development company dedicated to bridging the gap between executive leadership and security teams through strategic alignment and informed decision-making.The company has developed a financial risk platform that helps people understand and communicate the financial impact of cybercrime. This platform is designed to facilitate better conversations between technology providers and their customers by graphically showing the likelihood and potential financial impact of a cyber breach based on the customer's security controls.Threat Captain's software platform is a SaaS tool that runs simulations on cyber threats and impacts, providing reports for MSPs to share with their customers during QBRs or for prospecting. It leverages data feeds from the MITRE ATT&CK framework and the Verizon Data Impact Report to assess the likelihood and potential financial costs of a breach based on the customer's security posture.While initially targeting the insurance industry, Threat Captain pivoted to focus on the MSP market, recognizing the need for transparency and data-driven insights to sell cybersecurity services effectively. The company is currently in its first eight months and is actively seeking integrations with various MSP software products to enhance its platform's capabilities.Threat Captain's participation in the PitchIT accelerator program aims to gain valuable feedback from potential customers and industry experts, ensuring they build the best possible product from the outset.Key TakeawaysThreat Captain provides a financial risk platform to help communicate the financial impact of cybercrime.The platform assesses the likelihood and potential financial costs of a cyber breach based on a customer's security controls.Threat Captain's software runs simulations and provides reports for MSPs to share with customers.The company leverages data from the MITRE ATT&CK framework and Verizon Data Impact Report.Threat Captain is actively seeking integrations with various MSP software products.Participation in the PitchIT accelerator program aims to gather feedback and insights for product development.Links from the showWebsite: https://threatcaptain.com/ SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Episode Sponsor: Thread (www.getthread.com)=== Mark Lamb, the founder and CEO of HighGround.io, joins the podcast to discuss his cybersecurity platform designed for IT service providers. HighGround.io is a cybersecurity sales tool that helps MSPs communicate their clients' technology spend, cybersecurity posture, and resilience in a visually appealing and understandable manner.[1]The platform integrates with PSA tools like ConnectWise Manage to pull down a client's spend data with the MSP. It then maps this spend across various technology areas, such as support, cybersecurity, backup, Office 365, and connectivity. This visual representation allows clients to understand where their money is being allocated.[1]HighGround.io also enables MSPs to quickly assess their clients' cybersecurity posture and resilience. It provides three primary metrics: the cyber score (a universal metric of security posture), the resilience score (readiness to respond and recover from a cyber attack), and a visual mapping of these scores against the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.[1]Mark emphasizes that while KPIs are useful, they don't fully explain the breadth of security. By mapping the scores to the NIST framework, clients can easily identify their strengths and weaknesses across different security domains, such as protection, detection, and recovery.[1]HighGround.io is designed for ongoing use with existing clients, as cybersecurity is a continuous agenda item in MSP-client relationships. It facilitates holistic discussions about security while considering other IT services and challenges.[1]Mark shares his background as an MSP in Scotland, where he experienced firsthand the challenges of selling cybersecurity solutions to clients. Despite building a robust security stack, clients were reluctant to purchase it, leading Mark to investigate the root cause – a lack of understanding and complexity.[1]He emphasizes that HighGround.io addresses the sales problem that other vendors have failed to solve effectively. Unlike traditional risk assessments, which often result in clients only skimming the executive summary, HighGround.io aims to revolutionize the way MSPs communicate security posture and needs to clients.[1]Key TakeawaysHighGround.io is a cybersecurity sales tool for MSPs to visually represent clients' technology spend, cybersecurity posture, and resilience.It provides metrics like the cyber score, resilience score, and NIST framework mapping to communicate security posture effectively.The platform integrates with PSA tools and is designed for ongoing use with existing clients.Mark Lamb created HighGround.io based on his experience as an MSP, addressing the challenges of selling cybersecurity solutions.HighGround.io aims to revolutionize how MSPs communicate security needs to clients, moving away from traditional risk assessments.Links from the showWebsite: https://www.highground.io SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Jeff provides an update on the progress of integrating ConnectWise products into the ASIO unified platform. The next wave involves bringing the PSA, CPQ, BrightGauge, ITBoost, SIM, and MDR into ASIO, with a target timeline of Q3 or early Q4. This integration will enable a single ticketing system across all products, streamlining operations for partners.With a unified data layer, ConnectWise can create AI models that span multiple products and services. This allows for cross-product recommendations and insights, leveraging data from CPQ, PSA, RMM, and BrightGauge. Jeff acknowledges the fortuitous timing of their preparations aligning with the recent advancements in generative AI.Jeff addresses the recently announced Secure360 product and the ability to integrate third-party cloud and security products into ASIO. The vendor integration program ensures secure integrations by conducting security posture checks. Over 15-20 vendors are already integrated, with expectations for rapid growth in the coming months.Jeff clarifies that the ASIO agent, used for RMM, vulnerability management, and RPA, is also the agent for Secure360, dispelling confusion about needing separate agents. He explains the vendor onboarding process through the vendor program, which involves understanding the vendor's goals, marketing needs, and potential API requirements.Key Takeaways:ConnectWise is integrating its core products into the ASIO unified platform for streamlined operations.A unified data layer enables AI models spanning multiple products for cross-product insights.Secure360 allows integration of third-party cloud and security products into ASIO.The vendor program ensures secure integrations and facilitates vendor onboarding.The ASIO agent is a universal agent for various ConnectWise products and services. SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Episode Sponsor: Thread (www.getthread.com)=== ComplianceAid is an AI-driven, multilingual cybersecurity compliance platform designed to assist MSPs in offering compliance services to their clients. The platform utilizes a team of AI agents that act as virtual auditors, reading and aligning clients' existing documentation with compliance controls and generating context-enriched policies and procedures.The founders highlight the platform's ability to save time and resources for MSPs by automating the compliance assessment process. Instead of relying on expensive human auditors, ComplianceAid's AI auditors can assess compliance for all clients within a short timeframe, enabling MSPs to offer compliance services at a profitable rate.ComplianceAid offers flexibility in its service delivery model, allowing MSPs to either use the platform directly or have ComplianceAid handle the entire compliance assessment process. The platform supports various compliance frameworks, including NIST Cybersecurity Framework, HIPAA, and HITRUST, and can integrate with other systems through APIs or copy-paste functionality.The founders emphasize the platform's agility in adapting to new generative AI technologies and its multimodal capabilities, enabling it to understand and interpret graphs and images within documents.Key Takeaways: ComplianceAid offers an AI-driven cybersecurity compliance platform for MSPs.The platform automates compliance documentation generation and assessment processes.It saves time and resources by replacing or augmenting human auditors with AI auditors.MSPs can offer compliance services to all clients cost-effectively using ComplianceAid.The platform supports various compliance frameworks and can integrate with other systems.Links from the showWebsite: https://www.thecomplianceaide.com/ SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Episode Sponsor: Thread (www.getthread.com)=== Aportio Technologies is an IT service management startup that offers an AI-powered email and alert management plugin called Inbox Agent. The plugin is designed to help service desk agents work more efficiently by automating mundane tasks, categorizing requests, prioritizing them, and pre-assigning actions based on predefined rules.The idea behind Aportio stemmed from Scott Green's experience as the CEO of an MSP, where he witnessed the challenges faced by service desk agents. He realized that by automating repetitive tasks, agents could have more time to focus on providing exceptional customer service, akin to "singing" to customers.Inbox Agent is unique in several ways:It is specifically designed for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and integrates with popular Professional Services Automation (PSA) tools.It handles both user emails and system-generated alerts, ensuring a comprehensive solution.Its pre-trained AI model has a high degree of accuracy in categorizing requests out of the box.The AI-based categorization enables the creation of automated actions to solve problems faster and more efficiently.It can handle simple to complex use cases, making it a versatile solution.Aportio's origins lie in Scott Green's extensive experience in the MSP industry, spanning over 40 years. He recognized the need for innovation and decided to create a solution that addresses the challenges faced by service desk agents.While Aportio is a relatively new player in the US market, having started in New Zealand and Australia, its proven track record and scalable architecture make it a compelling choice for MSPs seeking to streamline their service desk operations.Key TakeawaysAportio's Inbox Agent automates mundane tasks for service desk agents, freeing up their time for better customer service.The AI-powered plugin categorizes requests, prioritizes them, and pre-assigns actions based on predefined rules.Inbox Agent is designed specifically for MSPs and integrates with popular PSA tools.Aportio's solution is proven, secure, and scalable, with a presence in multiple AWS regions.The company's origins stem from the founder's extensive experience in the MSP industry.Links from the showWebsite: https://www.aportio.com/ SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Matt Lee, known as the "most ethical hacker," joins the podcast to discuss the latest trends in cybersecurity. He shares insights on passwordless authentication using pass keys and FIDO protocols, which eliminate the risk of stolen passwords. Biometrics are also becoming more prevalent, combining factors like facial recognition, fingerprints, and behavioral patterns for stronger authentication. Matt previews some of the sessions he'll be leading at the upcoming Pax8 Beyond event, including a "wrong answers only" panel discussing controversial security topics in a lighthearted way. He emphasizes the importance of raising cybersecurity standards and continuous learning in the industry. In the second interview, Bobby Jacobs from Thread provides updates on their service experience platform since winning the PitchIT Accelerator program. They've rebranded their AI as "Magic AI" and released new features like the Planner for dispatchers, with a JIRA-like interface for scheduling tickets. Upcoming integrations include Time Zest for scheduling and Roost. Bobby discusses Thread's focus on providing a secure support experience through authenticated chat platforms like Teams and Slack. He also shares insights into the Pitch It Accelerator community and the coaching process for this year's participants.Key Takeaways: Passwordless authentication and biometrics are the future of cybersecurityContinuous learning and raising security standards are crucial in the industryThread's service experience platform is expanding with new features and integrationsThe PitchIT Accelerator fosters a supportive community for startups in the MSP spaceEpisode Sponsor: Thread (www.getthread.com) SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Tim, a combat veteran who has served four tours and spent over five years in war zones, discusses how K9 for Warriors has transformed his life by pairing him with his service dog, Coop. He explains that the organization takes veterans who have become introverted and pairs them with rescued shelter dogs trained to provide companionship and help them reintegrate into society. The application process involves getting a recommendation from a counselor or doctor, detailing how a service animal could benefit the veteran's specific needs. K9 for Warriors then carefully matches the veteran with a suitable dog based on their requirements. Tim highlights the unique story of Coop, who was previously paired with another veteran but had to be re-qualified before being matched with Tim. Tim emphasizes the extensive training the dogs undergo, including real-world exposure to different environments and situations. He describes the 21-day training camp where veterans are introduced to their service dogs and learn to work together. The transition from being alone to having a loyal companion has been life-changing for Tim, providing emotional support and reducing anxiety. Key Takeaways: K9 for Warriors rescues shelter dogs and trains them as service companions for veterans with PTSD, TBI, or MST.The application process involves getting a doctor's recommendation and detailing specific needs.Service dogs undergo extensive training, including real-world exposure and a 21-day training camp with veterans.Service dogs provide companionship, emotional support, and help veterans reintegrate into society.The transition from being alone to having a service dog has been life-changing for many veterans.Links from the show:Website:  https://k9sforwarriors.org/ SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Gregg Lalle recently transitioned from leading the international sales teams at ConnectWise to becoming the General Manager of IT Nation. In this role, he aims to make IT Nation more inclusive by welcoming non-ConnectWise partners and vendors to the community. His focus is on growth, business efficiency, leadership development, and promoting health and well-being for managed service providers (MSPs). Gregg plans to bring a global perspective to IT Nation, drawing from his experiences working with partners in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. He wants to create a "community of communities" by collaborating with other industry groups. For upcoming IT Nation events like Connect, Gregg intends to bring in diverse speakers and experiences to excite attendees from various backgrounds. Key Takeaways: IT Nation aims to be more inclusive of non-ConnectWise vendors and partnersGrowth, business efficiency, and health/well-being are key focus areas for MSPsIT Nation is expanding globally, with strong communities in Europe, Australia, and New ZealandGregg Lalle brings a global perspective from his international sales experienceUpcoming IT Nation events will feature diverse speakers and experiences  SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Andre Gilmore leads the IT Nation Evolve peer groups (formerly HTG peer groups acquired by ConnectWise in 2018) aimed at accelerating the growth of MSP partners. The peer groups are unique in their emphasis on both personal and professional development, creating an environment of closeness and trust where members can have honest discussions and "refuse to let each other fail." The groups meet quarterly for two-day in-person sessions with ample social activities to build strong relationships. Each member presents their business metrics, goals, successes, and challenges, and the group acts as a "board of directors" providing advice and accountability. A key aspect is that members define their own measures of success, which could be financial goals or personal priorities like more family time. The peer group framework includes reviewing four plans (legacy, business, life, leadership) and a member performance dashboard with benchmarking data. While a general agenda guides the meetings, facilitators have discretion to prioritize struggling members and even bring in the group for on-site support if needed. The real cost is the significant time commitment, which motivates members to maximize the value. Key Takeaways IT Nation Evolve peer groups focus on personal + professional growth through trusted relationshipsQuarterly 2-day in-person meetings with social activities to build strong bondsMembers define own success goals and hold each other accountableReview business metrics, get peer advice/board of directors perspectiveFacilitators can prioritize struggling members, even bring in on-site supportSignificant time commitment is real cost, driving engagementLinks from the ShowWebsite: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/evolve/peer-groups SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode by introducing Peter Kujawa from Service Leadership, a ConnectWise company that benchmarks MSPs and other tech service providers on their financial and operational performance. Peter explains that Service Leadership has been collecting quarterly data from companies worldwide for 19 years to determine best-in-class metrics that drive success . He shares how benchmarking was a game-changer for the struggling MSP he was running, instantly revealing areas to improve like product margins. By implementing best practices, Peter turned it into a $17 million business . Uncle Marv is amazed at the level of detail in the benchmarking, with over 80 KPIs compared against the top 25% most profitable peers . Peter discusses Service Leadership's annual compensation report, providing salary data on 60 positions to help MSPs attract and retain talent . He also talks about his journey from being a lawyer to the tech world, running businesses in various industries before joining the MSP space during its early "Wild West" days . Key Takeaways: Service Leadership benchmarks MSPs worldwide on finances and operations to identify best practicesBenchmarking revealed areas to improve for Peter's former MSP, transforming it into a $17M businessThe compensation report provides detailed salary data to help MSPs with hiring and retentionPeter transitioned from law to business, running companies across multiple industries SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast