ConnectWise is on the acquisition trail. The company confirms that it’s looking to acquire, invest in, or partner more deeply with companies that offer business intelligence tools, backup and disaster recovery, marketing automation and security. But what execactly is ConnectWise’s next move?

If I had to guess, I’d say it involves BDR and/or marketing automation. The reasons:

1. BDR: The cloud backup and BDR markets remain hot. MSP-centric cloud companies like Axcient and Datto recently landed on the Inc. 5000 list.  A few years back, ConnectWise Capital invested in CharTec, which offers hardware as a service (HaaS), MSP training and some BDR capabilities. At the time, I think ConnectWise wanted to topple Zenith Infotech‘s BDR business.

Today, the stakes are even higher as small businesses increasingly shift their storage, backup and business continuity applications to the cloud. Plus, file sharing services like Dropbox and Box are moving into the channel. Alternatives like Egnyte and LogMeIn Cubby are emerging. And MSP-centric options like Anchor are now on the map.

Keep watching this space.

2. Marketing Automation: ConnectWise already has an investment in Quosal, the sales quoting and proposal tool. What if ConnectWise could connect the dots between marketing on your website, lead generation and sales proposals? That would be a potentially powerful workflow situation.

So where is ConnectWise going to invest? I have a few hunches but it wouldn’t be fair to speculate on company names publicly until I nail down some sourcing. But here’s a potential hint: I remember some marketing automation companies presenting at CharTec Academy earlier this year. I wonder if they caught ConnectWise’s attention, too.

I’d expect ConnectWise to make potential announcements on or around the IT Nation conference in November. I wouldn’t expect huge acquisitions. Rather, look for targeted investments or business relationships that fill gaps and add value to the Modern Office Suite — which already includes ConnectWise, LabTech Software and Quosal. Also, keep this in mind: LabTech has grown from 5 employees to 250 since ConnectWise’s investment roughly three years ago.

Is there another LabTech-type investment or opportunity waiting in the wings? We’re watching.