Are platforms over point products really the way forward for MSPs?

Both solutions have their pros and cons, but which works for the UK MSPs?

Is embracing best-of-breed point solutions still a better choice than an integrated platform that addresses multiple processes and functions?

Connectwise CEO Manny Rivelo recently declared to CRN that the answer is the latter.

“The trend is clear - MSPs will move toward platforms and integrated solutions,” he said.

“Just like in enterprise security, where companies transitioned from point products to unified platforms, MSPs will follow suit.”

But is a one-off repair enough, or will a long-term investment in agility, collaboration, and efficiency be the better option for an MSP model?

Axians UK MD Russell Crampin agrees with Rivelo’s statement and believes the MSP market is “definitely” moving toward unified platforms over multiple point solutions.

Managing too many disconnected tools creates complexity, higher costs, and inefficiencies for both MSPs and clients.

While integrated platforms streamline operations, improve visibility, and allow for faster, more coordinated responses to client needs.

“However,” Crampin adds, “we saw something similar with companies moving from a traditional value-added reseller model to an MSP. This takes time, change and investment. Many couldn’t or can’t make the transition. Will we see the same from a changing MSP market?”

Advania UK CEO Geoff Kneen agrees “to an extent.”

“There’s definitely a trend towards platforms and integrated solutions. We’re actively investing in this area ourselves, including the development of a community portal that gives our clients a unified experience,” Kneen explains.

That said, he argues that while ‘platformisation’ is clearly the direction of travel, the market should never lose sight of the fact that this is still a service-led industry.

“Services are often deeply personal, they’re about understanding unique client needs and building strong relationships across user environments. For us, it’s not a case of choosing between platform and personal service. You need both.

“We’re committed to giving clients seamless access to our services through integrated platforms. But we’ll also continue to invest in the human element of our offering. Because no matter how advanced the platform becomes, meaningful human interaction will always be critical to delivering real value.”

Meanwhile, Lee Robinson, co-founder and director at Birmingham-based MSP Meta Eagle tells CRN he believes that with APIs and integrations there isn't a need to have an enterprise platform where everything is done in one place.

“ConnectWise are going to be motivated to look at it from a certain angle with the product sets they have. They’ve got their PSA system, sales system, and their endpoint agents,” he says.

“For me as a young, tech savvy MSP, whether or not it's on the same platform, isn't my number one priority.

“What I'm concerned with is having market leading products that I'm going to have confidence in, that I can integrate to other best of market leading products.

“I want it to be open. I want there to be API integrations. I want us to be able to automate between those systems.

“If they're all in one enterprise platform is quite way down the priority list. It's a bonus if they are, but it's certainly not a decision maker for me.”

Over at CybaVerse, CEO Oliver Spence reveals the MSSP is putting its focus on having a unified all in one system focusing on consolidating, pen testing, vulnerability, scanning, compliance, and MDR into a single solution.

And now the big focus is integrating everything with the MSP stack.

“A few years ago it would have been difficult to have a solution that integrates everything into one place. But that’s not difficult now.

“MSPs are definitely looking to consolidate into that single platform, or make their general day-to-day operations a lot easier and more effective by limiting the amount of products.

“Ultimately, they need to be able to provide customers information clearly and easily, and that comes from integrating the right solutions.”