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As we approach the final quarter of the year, businesses are not just focused on closing deals and meeting annual forecasts; they’re already glancing towards 2025. In conversations with five diverse solution providers, Channel Insider gathered insights on the technologies and offerings that are shaping their future planning discussions.
AI: The Buzzword of Tomorrow, but Readiness is Key
These days, no tech discussion can escape the buzz surrounding artificial intelligence, particularly the explosion of Generative AI tools in 2024. However, not every business is ready to dive headfirst into this tech revolution come 2025.
“Data standardization is essential, and we’re continually upskilling our team to meet this demand,” stated John Zemonek, managing director at Aligned Technology Group.
Tego CEO, Nolan Smith, noted, “While there are numerous questions and dialogues about AI, we haven’t yet observed a significant move toward investment.”
At XenTegra, Practice Director of Modern Datacenter, Philip Sellers, mentioned that they’ve held a series of educational webinars to prepare clients for AI adoption, focusing on security and data management. “We’re optimistic that 2025 will witness AI solidly integrated into IT operational plans and budgets,” he added.
“Clients are varying in their emotions about AI—some are overly excited while others are apprehensive,” said Rob Fitzgerald, Field CISO at Blue Mantis. “Achieving the right balance in AI implementation requires careful consideration and preparation.”
Nick Sikorski, VP of Sales and Marketing at EchoStor, pointed out, “The key to winning in AI adoption is driving tangible business value through successful outcomes.”
Data Resilience and Backup Recovery: A Growing Priority
As Sellers noted, there’s a critical need to enhance backup and recovery systems for clients, especially following events like natural disasters and high-profile outages. “These incidents have opened the doors for clients to consider vital recovery strategies,” he explained.
This shift in focus ties back to the increasing necessity for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to prioritize security and compliance discussions. “Following AI demand is a rising awareness about data privacy and security compliance. Organizations must genuinely demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity,” Fitzgerald noted.
A Step Back to Basics in 2025
Amid the chatter about cutting-edge technologies, there is a renewed emphasis on the foundational aspects of solution offerings. Sikorski highlighted how some businesses may have rushed past essential components during the pandemic’s push for hybrid and remote solutions.
“We’re helping our clients figure out what effective solutions look like,” Zemonek remarked, pointing to the importance of discussing legacy tech and security operations.
With ransomware threats intensifying and new security challenges emerging, many organizations still have a long way to go to secure their operations.
“We’ve become more strategic in marketing our security and compliance offerings,” Smith commented, highlighting the needs of clients in regulated sectors.
Fueling Channel Growth through Managed Services and Relationships
As the landscape evolves, MSPs are crafting a dual strategy that centers on client success and their own growth trajectory in 2025. Zemonek expressed that as a smaller partner, maintaining resource capability is pivotal, particularly in the burgeoning AWS ecosystem.
“AWS is extremely partner-friendly now,” he added. “Success hinges on aligning technology solutions with real client use cases.”
EchoStor is on a journey of geographical and operational expansion. “We’ve learned to focus on managed services to strengthen our client engagements,” Sikorski stated. “It’s about finding impactful service models.”
Tego has broadened its managed services in response to client demand and is committed to ensuring client satisfaction remains a top priority. “We aim to provide a more holistic range of offerings while our core expertise stays with infrastructure,” Smith clarified.
XenTegra’s initiative to simplify AI services for clients continues, alongside their dedication to team education and community growth. “Our commitment is to enrich both our customers and the broader industry,” Sellers emphasized.
Blue Mantis plans to pursue growth through strategic acquisitions, with Fitzgerald noting the need for precise planning to meet client goals. “A focused approach emphasizes achievable objectives and necessary resources for both quick wins and long-term projects,” he explained.
These solution providers collectively understand that present-day planning lays the groundwork for future development, growth, and opportunities in 2025. For business leaders and enthusiasts alike, it’s a pivotal moment of transformation in the tech landscape.
- Stay informed about key trends and best practices to optimize your organization’s potential.
- Explore new avenues for embracing AI and enhancing data resilience.
- Foster lasting partnerships with MSPs for ongoing support and innovation.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
