ConnectWise Debuts New Partner Program with Cybersecurity Focus

ConnectWise just announced a new partner program to help partners build and grow a robust cybersecurity practice. Technology service providers (TSPs) and managed service providers (MSPs) will have access to exclusive offerings, resources and support to help them make more money, the company said. The platform will also help partners scale and meet growing market demand for managed cybersecurity services.

Many TSPs are looking for strategic partners to help them build out profitable services practices. ConnectWise developed its new partner program to support growth-minded TSPs looking for such opportunities. More specifically, the program serves three key objectives: 

• Help TSPs build a more strategic, trusted relationship with their clients.
• Provide a world-class experience for partners and their clients.
• Help partners introduce new value-added services to their clients while accelerating partner business growth.

Prevalence of Cybersecurity Solutions

Cybersecurity is most certainly top of mind for partners and their customers alike these days. This is an opportunity for partners who want to attract new clients and improve retention among existing ones. Recent research from ConnectWise shows that cybersecurity is the top priority for 42% of SMBs, with 89% saying it’s one of their five primary priorities. A whopping 95% of SMBs say they would consider switching to a new provider if offered the right cybersecurity solution. Some said that they would even pay up to 33% more for it. 

ConnectWise is now taking a proactive role in driving partner business – and now cybersecurity – growth through the new program. A key factor is the introduction of the partner development manager role. Essentially, this will help partners accelerate sales of managed cybersecurity services.

Jason Magee is CEO of ConnectWise.

ConnectWise’s Jason Magee

“Back in 2018, we told our partners that cybersecurity was the next frontier, the next big revenue opportunity,” said Magee. “Partners told us they would value more proactive sales support on their journey to build leading cybersecurity practices, which is why our first priority with our new partner program is in this area. In addition to the partner development manager, a key differentiator of our program is the investment we have made to help TSPs establish and grow their cybersecurity business.”

Program Benefits

Partners of all sizes and maturity levels will benefit from a wide range of program benefits, ConnectWise said. These include the partner development manager, no-cost internal use licenses and market development funds. As partners pass through each of four “levels,” they will be able to take advantage of more benefits. The company designed these benefits to accelerate the impact of sales and marketing.

ConnectWise’s Clint Maddox

“Cybersecurity will represent about 50% of a TSPs revenue by 2022 — but it can be challenging for TSPs to know where to start to get things off the ground, or continue their efforts,” said Clint Maddox, CRO, ConnectWise. “We’re introducing the partner program now because we realize most of our partners want to launch a new practice or do more to scale their existing offerings. And we have the technical aptitude and resources to help them do that effectively.”

RMM Solutions’ Jackie Edwards

“The ConnectWise marketing readiness framework was a game changer for our cybersecurity go-to-market process. We were able to quickly build out customer-facing materials which resonated with our target market. The savings in time and effort has been invaluable to jump-start our program and demand-gen growth,” said Jackie Edwards, director of marketing for RMM Solutions, a Wisconsin-based ConnectWise partner.

Partners who wish to join the ConnectWise Partner Program for Cybersecurity can learn more by asking their account manager, registering for the webinar, “Take your Cybersecurity Practice to the Next Level,” or by attending IT Nation Secure, June 21-23, either in-person in Orlando or virtually.