Sudhir Nambiar, co-founder and CEO of XAmplify, introduces their marketing automation platform tailored for MSPs and IT service providers. The platform offers solutions for channel marketing, partner relationship management, and through-channel marketing automation.

XAmplify allows MSPs to conduct co-branded campaigns with multiple vendors, addressing the challenge of managing relationships with 10-15 vendors simultaneously. The platform provides a centralized location for marketing activities, deal registrations, and vendor management.

Key features of XAmplify include:

• Co-marketing and co-selling capabilities
• Integration with popular CRMs and PSAs
• White-label and co-branding options
• Video hosting and landing page creation
• List management with built-in validation
• Multi-tenancy for managing multiple vendor relationships
• Bidirectional sync between CRMs and marketing automation tools

Sudhir emphasizes the platform's ability to protect MSPs' leads and contacts while enabling efficient collaboration with vendors. XAmplify also offers features for lead sharing, deal registration, and pipeline visibility. The platform aims to help MSPs grow their business by providing tools for revenue growth, closing deals faster, and expanding their service offerings. Sudhir shares his background as a former MSP, which influenced the development of XAmplify to address common industry challenges.

Key Takeaways:

1. XAmplify offers a centralized platform for MSPs to manage multiple vendor relationships
2. The platform provides co-marketing and co-selling capabilities
3. Integration with popular CRMs and PSAs streamlines workflow
4. Built-in list validation and management protect MSPs' data
5. XAmplify aims to help MSPs grow revenue and close deals faster

Website: https://xamplify.com/

=== Show Information

Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/

Host: Marvin Bee

Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ

Become a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcast?

One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo

Author: AlexanderRufire

License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

Wayne Creamer, founder and CEO of Symoda, returns to the IT Business Podcast to discuss the evolution of their customer-centric communication platform for managed service providers (MSPs). With 20 years of experience in the MSP space, Wayne identified communication as a recurring problem among customers, which led to the creation of Symoda.

Initially a mobile-based solution, Symoda is expanding to desktop and team platforms like Slack and Teams. The platform integrates with ConnectWise and Autotask, enhancing communication and support within organizations. It offers features such as customizable push notifications, streamlined ticket management, and user onboarding processes.

Wayne emphasizes the importance of effective communication in managing customer relationships. Symoda’s push notification feature allows for targeted communication with customers, helping to resolve issues quickly and improve satisfaction. The platform aims to enhance communication at all levels: end-user, MSP contact, and VIP support.

The discussion also covers Symoda’s progress since last year, including the addition of a free customer option with marketing material, training, and a one-person trial. Wayne mentions plans for future integrations with other tools like Zendesk, Freshdesk, Halo, and Simot, aiming to make their solution end-user centric and adaptable to different tool changes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) development is underway at Symoda, with the goal of improving efficiency and providing personalized support options. Wayne shares insights on building customer trust, personalization, and the value of feedback in product evolution.

Key Takeaways:

• Symoda addresses communication challenges in the MSP industry
• The platform is expanding from mobile to desktop and team platforms
• Integration with ConnectWise and Autotask enhances communication and support
• AI development aims to improve efficiency and personalized support
• Effective communication is crucial for managing customer relationships
• Symoda offers customizable push notifications and targeted communication
• Future integrations planned with various tools to increase adaptability

=== Show Information

Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/

Host: Marvin Bee

Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ

Become a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcast?

One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo

Author: AlexanderRufire

License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

Uncle Marv and Matt Koenig catch up after a missed meeting at IT Nation Secure. They discuss NodeWare's continuous vulnerability management solution and its recent spin-off as a separate company. Matt highlights Nodeware's compliance with various cybersecurity standards, including the recently updated CIS control version 8.1.

The conversation covers Nodeware's new patch management feature, which allows users to schedule and deploy Windows updates directly from the dashboard. Matt explains the process of selecting and applying patches, emphasizing the importance of giving users notice before reboots.

They discuss the challenges MSPs face in implementing vulnerability management across all clients and Nodeware's efforts to address these concerns. Matt mentions potential partnerships with third-party companies to assist MSPs in managing the initial influx of vulnerability data.

The podcast touches on NodeWare's integrations with various platforms and marketplaces, as well as upcoming features like third-party patching for Windows ecosystem applications and support for Mac and Linux systems.

Uncle Marv and Matt stress the importance of MSPs being proactive in cybersecurity, understanding their clients' cyber liability insurance requirements, and avoiding "willful ignorance" when it comes to security vulnerabilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Nodeware now offers patch management directly from its dashboard
• Continuous vulnerability management is crucial for compliance and cybersecurity
• MSPs should be proactive in addressing security vulnerabilities for all clients
• Understanding and meeting cyber liability insurance requirements is essential
• Upcoming features include third-party patching and support for Mac and Linux systems

=== Show Information

Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/

Host: Marvin Bee

Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ

Become a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcast?

One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo

Author: AlexanderRufire

License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

Larry Garcia introduces Strety as a Business Operating System Software (BOSS) designed to help companies improve operational efficiency. The tool focuses on key performance indicators (KPIs), goal setting, and project management.

Strety integrates with Microsoft Teams and offers features such as smart agendas, automatic reminders, and goal tracking. It can be used internally by MSPs and can also be offered to their clients as a value-added service.

Garcia explains that Strety helps companies execute on data insights, filling the gap left by tools like Bright Gauge, which primarily focused on data visualization. The platform guides users through implementing operational improvements, similar to what a business coach might recommend.

The interview highlights Strety's approach to onboarding, recommending that companies start with weekly meeting cadences before progressing to goal setting and long-term planning.

Garcia shares an example of an MSP that improved efficiency by 5-10% after implementing Strety, potentially saving on hiring additional staff. Garcia also discusses Strety's participation in the IT Nation Pitch It program and their plans for future growth and development.

Key Takeaways:

• Strety is a business management tool designed for operational efficiency
• It integrates with Microsoft Teams to reduce tool fatigue
• The platform can be used internally by MSPs and offered to their clients
• Strety focuses on KPIs, goal setting, and project management
• Implementation can lead to significant efficiency improvements for businesses

Website: https://www.strety.com/

=== Show Information

Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/

Host: Marvin Bee

Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ

Become a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcast?

One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo

Author: AlexanderRufire

License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

Patrick Clawson introduces CheckRed Security as a comprehensive cloud security SaaS solution that covers both cybersecurity and compliance aspects. The platform uniquely addresses IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS security in a single multi-tenant environment, making it ideal for service providers.

CheckRed goes beyond monitoring and risk assessment by providing guided remediation workflows and detailed reports. The platform is designed to be MSP-friendly, with features like free sign-ups and simplified charging based on employee count.

Clawson highlights the platform's efficiency, mentioning that it can scan a 1,000-user environment in just 10 minutes and a 70,000-user environment in about an hour and 15 minutes. This speed allows MSPs to create new revenue-generating opportunities quickly.

The platform is API-based and doesn't require agents. It integrates with existing cyber platforms like SOAR, XDR, and SEM. CheckRed provides a multi-tenant view for MSPs, allowing them to see security scores for all clients at once, based on the NIST ERM score.

CheckRed covers about 60 major SaaS apps, including less commonly monitored platforms like Monday.com. The platform also includes an SDK for onboarding and managing lesser-known apps at a local level.

Key Takeaways:

• CheckRed offers a comprehensive cloud security solution for IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
• The platform is designed specifically for MSPs and service providers
• Rapid scanning and reporting capabilities save time and create new revenue opportunities
• Multi-tenant design allows easy management of multiple clients
• Covers a wide range of SaaS apps, including less common ones

Website: https://checkred.com/

=== Show Information

Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/

Host: Marvin Bee

Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ

Become a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcast?

One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo

Author: AlexanderRufire

License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

Uncle Marv interviews Zach Kromkowski from Senteon, a cybersecurity company participating in the IT Nation Pitch It Accelerator program. Senteon provides automated system hardening and compliance solutions for workstations, servers, and browsers based on CIS standards.

Zach explains that Senteon's platform automates the implementation of over 1,200 security settings recommended by CIS. The company has rewritten about 550 GPOs from a security perspective and hosts weekly educational webinars with CIS and subject matter experts to discuss these settings.

Senteon's approach differs from traditional methods like Intune or Group Policy by not only pushing changes but also verifying their effectiveness. The platform includes a learning mode to tailor risk assessments and create a roadmap for improving security posture over time.

The interview covers Senteon's pricing model, which is $1 per endpoint per month with a 250-endpoint minimum. Zach emphasizes the tool's MSP-friendly features, including multi-tenancy support and the ability to deploy settings across multiple clients.

Key features of Senteon include real-time monitoring, analysis, and alerting, as well as the ability to track changes made by users and revert them if necessary. The platform also offers an "undo button" to quickly revert all changes made by Senteon.

Zach highlights Senteon's unique approach to security configuration management, making changes directly via the Win32 API rather than relying on Microsoft tools. The platform works with both cloud and on-premises environments and can help identify misconfigured settings and potential security issues.

Key Takeaways:

1. Senteon automates system hardening based on CIS standards
2. The platform covers 1,200+ security settings for workstations, servers, and browsers
3. Senteon offers real-time monitoring, analysis, and alerting
4. Pricing is $1 per endpoint per month with a 250-endpoint minimum
5. The platform includes a learning mode and multi-tenancy support for MSPs
6. Senteon can identify misconfigured settings and potential security issues
7. The "undo button" allows quick reversion of all changes made by Senteon

Website: www.senteon.com

=== Show Information

Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/

Host: Marvin Bee

Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ

Become a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcast?

One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo

Author: AlexanderRufire

License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

Robert J. Scott, co-founder of Monjur, returns to the IT Business Podcast to discuss their contracts-as-a-service platform for IT managed service providers. Scott highlights the benefits of participating in the IT Nation Pitch It Accelerator program, including valuable connections and exposure that have accelerated Monjur's growth.

Monjur offers a cloud-based legal service with industry-leading templates customized for each MSP and dynamically updated. The platform integrates with quoting tools and sales processes, streamlining the contracting process. Scott explains the difference between their Essentials and Standard plans, with the Essentials plan designed for smaller MSPs with revenue under $1.5 million.

The interview covers how Monjur stays current with various state and international laws using AI-powered legal research tools in partnership with Lexis Nexus. Scott also discusses the affordability of their services, with plans starting at $149 per month for smaller MSPs.

The conversation explores the types of templates available, including master service agreements, statements of work, and specialized attachments for managed compliance and AI services. Scott emphasizes the importance of their Schedule of Third-Party Services, which acts as a waiver protecting MSPs from liability related to third-party vendors.

The podcast also discusses the relationship between Monjur's services and E&O insurance, highlighting how their platform provides additional protections not covered by insurance. Scott explains how Monjur can assist MSPs in incident response and claims defense, depending on their insurance carrier and policy.

Key Takeaways:

• Monjur offers cloud-based, dynamically updated legal services for MSPs
• The platform integrates with quoting tools to streamline the contracting process
• Pricing starts at $149/month for smaller MSPs with revenue under $1.5 million
• Monjur uses AI-powered legal research tools to stay current with laws and regulations
• The Schedule of Third-Party Services provides crucial liability protection for MSPs
• Monjur's services complement E&O insurance by offering additional protections

=== Show Information

Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/

Host: Marvin Bee

Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ

Become a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcast?

One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo

Author: AlexanderRufire

License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024

Uncle Marv sits down with Michelle Accardi, CEO of LionGard, to explore the latest advancements in MSP technology and the exciting developments at LionGard. The conversation kicks off with a discussion about Liongard’s role in enhancing MSP operations through comprehensive attack surface management. Michelle explains how Liongard’s platform automates IT asset inventory, monitors configuration changes, and provides a cyber risk dashboard tied to cyber insurance controls.

Michelle introduces Leo, Liongard’s generative AI support agent, designed to assist partners with support needs, ticket updates, and generating new reports. This AI tool aims to increase partner satisfaction by providing immediate answers and facilitating efficient problem resolution.

The episode also highlights the upcoming RoarCon event, Liongard’s inaugural user conference, set to take place in Frisco, Texas. Michelle shares her excitement about the event, which will feature keynote speaker Eric O'Neill, a cybersecurity expert and former FBI operative. Additionally, Michelle discusses her initiative, MSP Mavens, a networking group for women executives in the MSP industry, aimed at fostering peer support and professional growth.

Throughout the interview, Michelle emphasizes the importance of growth for both LionGard and its MSP partners. She discusses strategies for MSPs to monetize their tech stacks and improve efficiency, ultimately driving profitability. The episode concludes with a light-hearted segment where Michelle shares a personal story about her daughter's recent adventure in Florida.

Key Takeaways

• Liongard’s Platform: Automates IT asset inventory, monitors configuration changes, and provides a cyber risk dashboard.
• Leo AI Support Agent: Assists with support needs, ticket updates, and report generation, enhancing partner satisfaction.
• RoarCon Event: Liongard’s inaugural user conference featuring cybersecurity expert Eric O'Neill.
• MSP Mavens: A networking group for women executives in the MSP industry, promoting peer support and professional growth.
• Growth Strategies: Emphasis on monetizing tech stacks and improving efficiency to drive profitability for MSPs.

Website: https://www.liongard.com/

=== Show Information

Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/

Host: Marvin Bee

Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ

Become a monthly supporter: https://www.patreon.com/join/itbusinesspodcast?

One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unclemarv

=== Music:

Song: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo

Author: AlexanderRufire

License Code: 7X9F52DNML - Date: January 1st, 2024