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---
description: >-
Start here: what a Managed Service Provider is, which businesses rely on one, and how the MSP model compares to running IT in-house.
---

# Introduction to Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

New to the MSP model? This section lays the groundwork — defining what Managed Service Providers do, who turns to them and why, and how outsourcing to an MSP differs from building an in-house IT team.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="what-are-msps.md" %}
[What are MSPs?](what-are-msps.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="who-needs-msps.md" %}
[Who Needs MSPs?](who-needs-msps.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="msps-vs.-in-house-it.md" %}
[MSPs vs. In-House IT](msps-vs.-in-house-it.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
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---
description: >-
The common ways MSPs package and price their services, and the revenue streams that keep the business running.
---

# MSP Business Models & Revenue Generation

How does an MSP actually make money? This section breaks down the business models MSPs commonly adopt and the recurring and one-off revenue streams that underpin them.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="common-business-models.md" %}
[Common Business Models](common-business-models.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="revenue-streams.md" %}
[Revenue Streams](revenue-streams.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
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---
description: >-
How MSPs measure operational maturity: the five Operational Maturity Levels (OMLs), how maturity relates to size, and what drives growth.
---

# Operational Maturity Levels (OMLs) in MSPs

Operational Maturity Levels (OMLs) describe how well-run an MSP is, independent of its size. This section explains the five-level framework, why maturity and headcount are not the same thing, and the practices that move an MSP up the scale.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="what-are-omls.md" %}
[What are OMLs?](what-are-omls.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="size-vs.-maturity-level.md" %}
[Size vs. Maturity Level](size-vs.-maturity-level.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="boosting-growth-best-practices-and-tools.md" %}
[Boosting Growth: Best Practices & Tools](boosting-growth-best-practices-and-tools.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="beyond-omls-holistic-success-factors-for-msps.md" %}
[Beyond OMLs: Holistic Success Factors for MSPs](beyond-omls-holistic-success-factors-for-msps.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
20 changes: 20 additions & 0 deletions msp-operations/common-challenges-and-solutions/README.md
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---
description: >-
The recurring challenges MSPs face as the industry evolves, and practical strategies for addressing them.
---

# Common Industry Challenges & Solutions

Every MSP runs into a familiar set of obstacles as it grows and the market shifts. This section looks at how the industry's requirements are evolving, the challenges that follow, and the strategies MSPs use to meet them.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="industry-evolution-and-requirements.md" %}
[Industry Evolution & Requirements](industry-evolution-and-requirements.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="challenges-faced-by-msps.md" %}
[Challenges Faced by MSPs](challenges-faced-by-msps.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="strategies-for-addressing-challenges.md" %}
[Strategies for Addressing Challenges](strategies-for-addressing-challenges.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
28 changes: 28 additions & 0 deletions msp-operations/msp-compliance-and-regulations/README.md
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---
description: >-
Why compliance matters for MSPs, the regulations that most often apply, and how to manage risk, incidents, and client obligations.
---

# MSP Compliance & Regulations

MSPs sit at the intersection of many clients' regulatory obligations. This section explains why compliance matters, the regulations that most commonly apply, the practical challenges of meeting them, and how MSPs handle risk, incident response, and client-facing compliance work.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="importance-of-compliance-for-msps.md" %}
[Importance of Compliance for MSPs](importance-of-compliance-for-msps.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="common-regulations-affecting-msps.md" %}
[Common Regulations Affecting MSPs](common-regulations-affecting-msps.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="compliance-challenges-and-strategies-for-msps.md" %}
[Compliance Challenges & Strategies for MSPs](compliance-challenges-and-strategies-for-msps.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="risk-management-and-incident-response.md" %}
[Risk Management and Incident Response](risk-management-and-incident-response.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="working-with-clients-on-compliance.md" %}
[Working with Clients on Compliance](working-with-clients-on-compliance.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
24 changes: 24 additions & 0 deletions msp-operations/msp-departments-and-business-units/README.md
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---
description: >-
How an MSP is organised — service desk, professional services, sales and account management — and the roles that fill each unit.
---

# MSP Departments and Business Units

As MSPs scale, work splits into distinct departments. This section walks through the main business units — the service desk, professional services, and sales and account management — and the industry roles that staff them.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="msp-service-desk-styles-and-operational-maturity-levels.md" %}
[MSP Service Desk Styles and Operational Maturity Levels](msp-service-desk-styles-and-operational-maturity-levels.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="professional-services-department-technical-expertise-and-collaboration-with-the-service-desk.md" %}
[Professional Services Department: Technical Expertise and Collaboration with the Service Desk](professional-services-department-technical-expertise-and-collaboration-with-the-service-desk.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="sales-account-management-and-marketing-driving-msp-growth-and-client-satisfaction.md" %}
[Sales, Account Management, and Marketing: Driving MSP Growth and Client Satisfaction](sales-account-management-and-marketing-driving-msp-growth-and-client-satisfaction.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="roles.md" %}
[Industry Roles & Responsibilities](roles.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
20 changes: 20 additions & 0 deletions msp-operations/msp-tools-and-their-functions/README.md
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---
description: >-
The core software an MSP runs on — RMM and PSA platforms, the wider tool categories, and how to choose the right stack.
---

# MSP Tools: Functions & Use

MSPs run on software. This section covers the two platforms at the centre of most stacks — RMM and PSA — the broader categories of tooling around them, and how to evaluate what your business actually needs.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="rmms-and-psas.md" %}
[RMMs & PSAs](rmms-and-psas.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="categories-of-tools.md" %}
[Categories of tools](categories-of-tools.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="choosing-the-right-tools.md" %}
[Choosing the right tools](choosing-the-right-tools.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
23 changes: 23 additions & 0 deletions msp-relationships/managing-strategic-relationships/README.md
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---
description: >-
Turning transactional vendor relationships into strategic partnerships: co-selling, MDFs, vendor-specific programs, and channel best practices.
---

# Managing Strategic Relationships

While many vendor relationships in the MSP industry are transactional, focused primarily on upselling, strategic partnerships can be highly beneficial for both parties. In a strategic partnership, MSPs and vendors work closely together, aligning their goals and resources to create mutual value. Here are some thoughts to consider and address when forming and managing strategic vendor relationships:
Expand DownExpand Up@@ -51,3 +56,21 @@ To fully realize the potential of strategic vendor partnerships, MSPs must activ
</details>

By carefully selecting the right strategic partners, leveraging co-selling opportunities and MDFs, establishing clear contracts and expectations, and actively managing and nurturing vendor relationships, MSPs can build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships that drive business growth and create lasting value.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="a-guide-to-co-selling-and-mdf-strategies.md" %}
[A Guide to Co-selling and MDF Strategies](a-guide-to-co-selling-and-mdf-strategies.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="requesting-mdfs-from-vendors-best-practices.md" %}
[Requesting MDFs from Vendors: Best Practices](requesting-mdfs-from-vendors-best-practices.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="exploring-vendor-specific-programs-for-msps.md" %}
[Exploring Vendor-Specific Programs for MSPs](exploring-vendor-specific-programs-for-msps.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="best-practices-for-vendor-channel-programs.md" %}
[Best Practices for Vendor Channel programs](best-practices-for-vendor-channel-programs.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
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---
description: >-
How MSPs use peer groups and accountability groups to benchmark, learn, and grow — with the benefits and the risks.
---

# Peer Groups and Accountability Groups

Many MSP owners accelerate their growth by joining structured communities of their peers. This section covers two related formats — peer groups and accountability groups — including the benefits they offer and the risks to weigh.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="peer-groups-for-msps-benefits-and-potential-risks.md" %}
[Peer Groups for MSPs Benefits and Potential Risks](peer-groups-for-msps-benefits-and-potential-risks.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="accountability-groups-fostering-growth-and-success-for-msps.md" %}
[Accountability Groups: Fostering Growth and Success for MSPs](accountability-groups-fostering-growth-and-success-for-msps.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
14 changes: 14 additions & 0 deletions resources/business-resources/README.md
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---
description: >-
Blogs, books, podcasts, and webinars to help MSPs grow the business side of their practice.
---

# Business Resources

Online business resources for MSPs, such as blogs, books, webinars, and podcasts, offer invaluable insights and tools to help Managed Service Providers grow and thrive in a competitive industry. These resources cover a wide range of topics, catering to both technical and business-focused MSPs.
Expand All@@ -8,3 +13,12 @@ Webinars and podcasts offer opportunities for MSPs to gain knowledge from indust

By leveraging these online business resources, MSPs can continuously refine their strategies, services, and processes, ensuring their success in the ever-changing landscape of managed services.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="podcasts-and-webinars.md" %}
[Podcasts & Webinars](podcasts-and-webinars.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="blogs-and-books.md" %}
[Blogs & Books](blogs-and-books.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
14 changes: 14 additions & 0 deletions resources/communities/README.md
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Expand Up@@ -123,3 +123,17 @@ Businesses serving MSPs enhance community spaces by providing insights, solving
## Conclusion

MSP communities offer unmatched opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration. By contributing authentically, staying consistent, and fostering respect, MSPs and businesses alike can thrive in these spaces. Community engagement is more than a strategy—it's a commitment to mutual success that drives the entire industry forward.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="forums-and-chat-communities.md" %}
[Online Communities](forums-and-chat-communities.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="peer-groups.md" %}
[Peer Groups](peer-groups.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="social-media-communities.md" %}
[Social Media communities](social-media-communities.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
19 changes: 19 additions & 0 deletions resources/technical-resources/README.md
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---
description: >-
Technical blogs, books, podcasts, and a curated MSP toolkit of hands-on tools.
---

# Technical Resources

Online business resources for MSPs, such as blogs, books, webinars, and podcasts, offer invaluable insights and tools to help Managed Service Providers grow and thrive in a competitive industry. These resources cover a wide range of topics, catering to both technical and business-focused MSPs.
Expand All@@ -7,3 +12,17 @@ Blogs and books provide in-depth analysis and practical advice on various aspect
Webinars and podcasts offer opportunities for MSPs to gain knowledge from industry experts, covering topics such as new technologies, security, and business growth strategies. These resources provide valuable learning experiences that can help MSPs stay up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices in the managed services industry.

By leveraging these online business resources, MSPs can continuously refine their strategies, services, and processes, ensuring their success in the ever-changing landscape of managed services.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="podcasts-and-webinars.md" %}
[Podcasts & Webinars](podcasts-and-webinars.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="blogs-and-books.md" %}
[Blogs & Books](blogs-and-books.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="msp-toolkit/" %}
[The MSP Toolkit](msp-toolkit/)
{% endcontent-ref %}
17 changes: 16 additions & 1 deletion resources/technical-resources/msp-toolkit/README.md
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---
description: >-
A curated list of popular, practical tools MSP technicians reach for regularly.
---

# The MSP Toolkit

The MSP Toolkit is a curated list of popular tools which are used regularly. Take look as some of the tools listed, and if you want to share your own, then do so!
The MSP Toolkit is a curated list of popular tools which are used regularly. Take look as some of the tools listed, and if you want to share your own, then do so!

### In this section

{% content-ref url="screen-capture/" %}
[Screen Capture Tools](screen-capture/)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="usb-stick-essentials/" %}
[USB Stick Essentials](usb-stick-essentials/)
{% endcontent-ref %}
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---
description: >-
Tools for capturing screenshots, GIFs, and video guides.
---

# Screen Capture Tools

These tools specifically deal with screen capture. For example the creation of screenshots, gifs or video guides.
These tools specifically deal with screen capture. For example the creation of screenshots, gifs or video guides.

### In this section

{% content-ref url="greenshot.md" %}
[Greenshot](greenshot.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="problem-screen-recorder.md" %}
[PSR](problem-screen-recorder.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="sharex.md" %}
[ShareX](sharex.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
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---
description: >-
Portable go-to tools worth keeping on your USB stick.
---

# USB Stick Essentials

These are the best tools to carry about on your favorite USB Stick. We all have those "go-to tools" so why keep them to yourself?
These are the best tools to carry about on your favorite USB Stick. We all have those "go-to tools" so why keep them to yourself?

### In this section

{% content-ref url="user-profile-wizard.md" %}
[User Profile Wizard](user-profile-wizard.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="portableapps.md" %}
[PortableApps](portableapps.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}