2024-11-26 - Version 2

Key 2024 MSP Statistics and Trends to Know

With technology, compliance, and work environments changing faster than ever before, teaming up with managed service providers (MSPs) is becoming a better option for more and more organizations — and teaming up with strategic partners is emerging as a great solution for many MSPs.

So many organizations these days just don’t need (or can’t financially justify) an investment in in-house IT departments managing services, devices, and security threats. But you also can’t function today as a business or organization without some technical expertise; the IT environment is complex and always changing. MSPs provide expert support with the ability to quickly scale, adapt, and respond to evolving compliance, cybersecurity needs, user demands, and technology.

Overview of Managed Service Provider Market

The current IT landscape requires expertise in an expanding range of services, and very few smaller organizations have the resources or personnel to handle it effectively. While size is not the only factor that determines use, it generally holds true that the smaller your organization is, the more likely it is to engage with an MSP to handle services you would otherwise be unable (or even unwise) to provide in house.

By outsourcing tasks like cloud and SaaS management, device and user controls, compliance, and security services to an MSP, businesses get the benefit of specialized knowledge, skills, and automated technology that can help fill in their tech gaps and maximize their IT spend.

Definition and Role of MSPs

Managed service providers act like an extension of an IT team — but there’s a big difference in how they operate. While traditional IT services are reactive, responding to user or network issues as they’re notified of them, MSPs are proactive with a focus on preventing issues from happening in the first place.

MSPs provide active network monitoring, data center and services management, security solutions, and keep up to date with the latest compliance regulations. With an MSP, your IT department will gain a lot more flexibility, reduced downtime, and confidence knowing that operations will run smoothly.

Importance of MSPs in Today’s Business Landscape

MSPs are becoming increasingly critical across all industries for organizations of all sizes. Large organizations with complex compliance and security needs like finance and healthcare benefit from an MSP’s active monitoring, advanced cybersecurity, and ability to adapt quickly to new regulations. Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can take advantage of top-tier IT services and support without the expense of hiring an in-house team.

As the working world continues migrating to the cloud, MSPs ensure that the transition is secure and provides more efficient technology solutions moving forward.

Key Market Statistics and Figures

Recent surveys show that use of MSPs is growing, with security at the top of the list for many organizations.

Almost 90% of SMBs currently use an MSP to handle some of their IT needs or are considering it.
78% of organizations view MSPs as a solution for Internet of Things (IoT) management.
Roughly 60% of large organizations across the globe use MSPs to streamline IT and cloud services.
60% of respondents said cybersecurity was the top challenge, which led them to partner with an MSP.
48% cited device management and migration to remote work as areas MSPs could handle better than traditional IT.

Managed Services Market and Growth Trends

The use of MSPs is growing due to cost benefits, more predictable budgeting, and scalability. The latest trends in technology are mirrored in the managed services market, with cybersecurity, AI tools, and cloud services leading the way.

Global Market Size and Projected Growth

The MSP market is growing in 2024 and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The market is expected to reach almost $350 billion globally by the end of the year and soar to over $1 trillion by 2033, at a CAGR of 12.9%.

Key Trends Driving Market Expansion

Security, adoption of cloud technologies, and automation are areas where MSPs excel over traditional IT departments.

MSPs enhance security through continuous network and data monitoring, password management and passwordless login technologies, device management, and improved compliance. Many MSPs provide advanced data backup and disaster recovery solutions that significantly shorten recovery time in the event of a breach.

MSPs utilize automation to streamline operations and manage resources better. They make repetitive tasks more efficient and remove the risk of human error that can lead to security holes or extended outages.

With cloud operations expanding and many organizations relying on multi-cloud environments, MSPs consolidate management and provide infrastructure to deploy multiple services efficiently.

Regional Market Analysis and Differences

These are the key statistics as organizations implement MSPs across the globe:

With the U.S. driving demand, North America makes up the largest share of the MSP market, expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.2% by 2033.
Europe is the second-largest region, with a CAGR of 12.5% by 2030.
Asia is the fastest growing region for MSPs.

Economic Impact of MSPs

Most organizations using MSPs feel a major economic impact.

MSPs increase productivity by making IT operations more efficient and secure, allowing businesses to apply funds that would be spent on internal IT teams to other needs. Advanced single sign-on (SSO) and device management technologies improve the experience for all users and make it more likely that protocols will be followed.

The advanced cybersecurity features of MSPs prevent breaches and can potentially save millions in legal fees, fines, and ransoms.

Cost Savings and Efficiency Improvements

By teaming up with an MSP, organizations can contract for the specific services they need rather than having to hire, build, and train an entire in-house IT team. With technology and compliance changing faster than ever, the use of an MSP makes it much easier to keep up, without the cost of additional personnel or certifications.

The tools used by MSPs are leveraged across their client base, making it more cost-effective to develop advanced technology that makes systems more efficient and secure.

Research shows that organizations using MSPs experienced significant savings.

Organizations that contract MSPs can reduce overall IT costs by 20-30%.
MSPs increase productivity by 15-25% through improved efficiency and reduced downtime.
MSPs reduce the risk of cyberattacks by up to 50%.

Revenue Generation Areas for MSPs

MSPs create value by providing advanced technology solutions for business.

Many of the services they provide wouldn’t be financially or logistically feasible with an in-house IT team. With highly trained specialists dedicated to areas like network and user management, cloud services, data protection, and cybersecurity MSPs can devote more time and resources to developing technology that makes online environments more productive and secure.

Because MSPs work at scale they can partner with a wide variety of clients, opening up revenue streams to build and maintain their own services more efficiently than any individual in-house IT team.

Comparison of In-House IT vs. Managed Services

In-house IT teams and MSPs vary in a few key ways. By understanding the differences, you can see how to leverage both to get the most out of your IT services.

In-house IT teams tend to be better at daily operational tasks and supporting unique environments and requests. They can be faster to respond to some issues that are specific to the organization, but overall their response times are slower to systematic issues like breaches or misconfigurations. Generally, they’re also slower to adapt to emerging cyberthreats and compliance changes. Some of the biggest challenges in-house IT departments face are scaling, budgets, and skills shortages.

MSPs excel when it comes to security and scalability. Technologies like continuous monitoring save on salaries and unexpected costs like breaches or compliance management. They can also detect and manage misconfigurations faster. All of this reduces downtime and leads to faster fixes, for a more secure and productive work environment. Most MSPs offer flexible payment structures so that organizations can take advantage of advanced services without breaking their budgets. While MSPs do provide a lot of economic advantages, it can be more challenging for them to handle one-off projects or unique requests.

Market Segmentation and Services Offered

Some MSPs specialize in a specific service, while some offer a full range of combined services. Some MSPs offer a suite of services in a customized package to address specific client needs like compliance, network management, or device management.

Breakdown by Service Type

There are three main services that MSPs provide. Managed network services (MNS) focus on maintenance and management of network systems and hardware, as well as providing IT support to keep technology current and services operating steadily. Managed cloud services (MCS) manage and optimize cloud services, which could include user management and security, deployment, and unification. Managed security services (MSS) detect threats, manage firewalls, and handle endpoint security and data encryption. They also make sure systems are compliant with the latest regulations and privacy laws. Managed security is currently the most in-demand service due to increasing threats in the cybersecurity space.

Deployment Models: On-Premises vs. Cloud

When working with an MSP, you’ll need to know the best way to deploy services for your organization.

On-premises solutions give your organization the most control over your IT infrastructure. With this approach, sensitive data is stored and managed on-site at the company. This can be a great model for organizations that have strict security and compliance needs. However, on-premises deployment can take a lot of investment and can be costlier to update and maintain.

Cloud deployment is extremely flexible and scalable, providing your organization with a much greater degree of adaptability at a lower cost. Cloud providers host data and services remotely, which reduces the need for in-house staff, hardware, and maintenance. Some organizations might be hesitant to use cloud deployment due to their security needs.

For some organizations, hybrid models are the most effective model of deployment. In a hybrid environment, sensitive data is administered on-site, while less critical functions like SaaS management are handled by the MSP remotely. Though hybrids can provide the best of both worlds, they’re more complex to manage and require specialized IT skills.

Industry-Specific Solutions and Verticals Served

There are MSPs for every type of organization. Fields like finance, government, and healthcare benefit from MSPs that focus on cybersecurity, compliance, automation, and monitoring. Retail and manufacturing use MSPs to optimize supply chain management, IoT integration, and analytics.

Future Outlook for Managed Service Providers

MSPs will continue to play a major part in IT moving forward. As technology evolves, regulators issue new laws to protect consumers, and cybercriminals deploy AI and advanced tools, MSPs will be critical to ensuring organizations maintain their systems and data. MSPs will develop new ways to maximize efficiency and safety that influence IT protocols across the industry — and to do that they’ll also need to find new ways to support their own business.

Emerging Trends and Technologies

MSPs have already started to expand into new technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT to enhance the services they provide.

AI automates processes that help tighten security by detecting threats faster and making fixes more effectively. MSPs also improve predictive analytics to identify issues earlier and reduce downtime.

MSPs are exploring blockchain technologies to enhance cybersecurity and data integrity. Using decentralized technology like blockchain can make networks more secure against attacks by eliminating single breach points.

MSPs help integrate IoT devices across existing networks, and are using AI to find new ways to manage and analyze the data created by the influx of devices.

Now that hybrid and remote work models are the new normal, MSPs will need to keep building new tools that support remote environments. Cloud integration, unification, Zero Trust frameworks, and device management are all areas we can expect to see continued advances. Shadow IT is becoming a persistent threat and is often difficult for in-house teams to get in check.

Hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) is a new development that uses intelligent software to bring storage, computing, and networking together under one umbrella and replaces legacy data management systems.

Challenges and Opportunities in the MSP Market

While MSPs continue to grow rapidly, there are a few challenges on the road ahead. As the market grows, the field will get more crowded with new players. This will create more competition among MSPs but could drive further innovations, but it also means MSPs will need to increase marketing efforts to stand out.

With cybercriminals using new technologies MSPs need to move fast to stay ahead of emerging threats to their clients and their own networks. Investing in cyberinsurance, new security tools, and hiring experts could drive up costs for MSPs.

Supplying new technologies like AI and blockchain will also require more investment and resources from MSPs. But with both SMBs and large organizations facing many of these same challenges, plenty of opportunities remain for MSPs to take on the increasingly complex tasks that other organizations can’t handle. As MSPs bring on additional clients, managing all of them together could pose its own challenge.

Strategic Recommendations for MSPs

If you’re an MSP, it’s all about filling in the technology gaps that other organizations don’t have the time or the resources for.

Identifying industry needs hones focus on the areas organizations are concerned about taking on. Cybersecurity is a huge concern for organizations across the board right now, and many are counting on MSPs to provide a solution. Monitoring and automation technologies are areas that can give businesses a big boost in efficiency. Migration to cloud services is an area that creates a lot of challenges for in-house IT teams.

MSPs can build stronger relationships with clients by providing solutions to the problems traditional IT can’t deal with effectively.

By partnering with cloud-based platforms or other providers, MSPs can expand their services and streamline their own operations to provide cost-friendly options for all of their clients.

By keeping current to take advantage of trends and staying ahead of emerging cyberthreats, MSPs will continue to be a valued component of every organization’s IT infrastructure.

Learn More About JumpCloud for MSPs

See how JumpCloud for MSPs enables you to give your customers a seamless, secure IT experience from a single open directory platform.

About JumpCloud
At JumpCloud, our mission is to build a world-class cloud directory. Not just the evolution of Active Directory to the cloud, but a reinvention of how modern IT teams get work done. The JumpCloud Directory Platform is a directory for your users, their IT resources, your fleet of devices, and the secure connections between them with full control, security, and visibility.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

JumpCloud 2024

SMART goals: What they are and how to apply them in IT projects

What are SMART goals and why are they important in IT?

Whether in personal or professional life, goals always set a direction for where you wish to go, in addition to defining the guidelines with which to reach that desired end. In addition, awareness and motivation are generated about the actions that are carried out, which allows us to focus our energies and efforts. It is also important to consider that, in order to achieve the goals, a clear path is needed on how to get there, since, without clear goals, it is like shooting into the air blindly and very likely to generate frustration. Hence, defining objectives is to improve the productivity of your IT team, with communication and motivation. To structure the objectives, the S.M.A.R.T. Methodology is recommended, which refers to the acronym of Specific (Specific), Measurable (Measurable), Achievable (Achievable), Relevant (Relevant) and Time-based (Time Defined or Temporary).

As we will see later, creating SMART objectives in IT involves defining five aspects that help to concentrate and re-evaluate initiatives as necessary. These consider that clear and measurable objectives will help you plan objectives and implement improvements in IT project management, promoting planned and predictive monitoring, IT management and the productivity of your employees to generate a resilient and reliable technology infrastructure and services, which guarantee a better experience for users and the organization as a whole.

Breakdown of SMART Goals into IT Projects

If you do not consider all the SMART aspects, you may be setting goals for monitoring and optimizing IT systems and resources, but not effectively defining them in a plan to achieve them. That is why you must be clear about each of these five aspects, which we summarize below:

Specific: Here we refer to the goal being clearly articulated, so that everyone on your team understands it and is in tune. You must define what will be achieved and what actions must be taken to achieve that goal. Objectives should be detailed to the extent necessary for key IT components, such as server and network availability percentages. You may ask yourself questions such as the following: for what purpose? and, what do you wish to achieve?
Measurable: Objectives must be quantifiable in order to track progress. You need to define what data will be used to measure the goal and establish a collection method. In this case, you must define the KPIs or metrics, such as those you defined in the management of SLA, SLI or SLO, in order to track progress towards the desired objectives. The questions you may ask yourself could be: what indicators or factors tell us if we are achieving it?
Achievable: Any goal must be realistic in order to maintain the enthusiasm to try to achieve it. You may need to set goals in stages, to go from step to step and not try to climb a one-jump ladder. Keep in mind that you should avoid overloading IT and human resources. If the goal is not feasible at the moment, you may need to increase resources first to have a chance to succeed. You may first need to set a SMART goal on obtaining the resources before defining another goal. Questions you might want to ask yourself include: What does it take to achieve this, and do you have the resources to do so?
Relevant: Objectives must be aligned with the strategic and operational needs of the company. What we mean is that you do nott set goals just as an exercise. One way to determine whether the goal is relevant is to define the key benefit to the organization, such as improving customer service, accelerating disaster recovery, etc. The corresponding questions are: does it contribute to the organization’s goal?, who does it impact?, why is it important?
Time-bound: Goals should have a deadline to maintain focus and productivity. That is because a goal without a deadline does not do much to identify whether the attempt was successful or failed. We also mean that, from success or lack of it, you may set new goals. That is why it is important to set deadlines on goals. The questions you can ask yourself are: what is the deadline to achieve it? Or are there dates for some stages of the project?

To be clearer about how to apply this methodology, we will see below some examples of SMART objectives, taking into account each of their elements.

Practical Examples of SMART Goals in IT

Here are some examples of SMART goals in IT management to know how to define and write them, considering their five elements in a table to make it clearer:

SMART goal to improve server response time.

Specific	Measurable	Achievable	Relevant	Time-bound
Reduce the response time of web servers	Decrease the average response time from 500 ms to 200 ms.	Improve server and content delivery network (CDN) configuration.	Improve user experience and increase customer satisfaction.	Achieve a reduction in server response time within 6 months.
How to draft it: Reduce the response time of web servers from 500 ms to 200 ms, through improvements in server configuration and in the content distribution network, in order to create a better user and customer experience within 6 months.

SMART goal to reduce downtime of critical applications.

Specific	Measurable	Achievable	Relevant	Time-bound
Reduce downtime of critical applications.	Reduce downtime from 5 hours per month to less than 1 hour per month.	Implement a 24/7 monitoring system, perform regular preventive maintenance and set up a quick incident response protocol.	Ensure continuous availability of critical applications to maintain productivity and customer satisfaction.	Achieve reduced downtime of critical applications within 3 months.
How to draft it: Reduce critical application downtime from 5 hours to less than 1 hour per month by implementing system and application monitoring on a 24/7 basis, regular preventive maintenance, and quick incident response protocols to ensure availability, productivity, and customer satisfaction within 3 months.

SMART goal for optimizing network capacity in distributed environments.

Specific	Measurable	Achievable	Relevant	Time-bound
Optimize network capacity in distributed environments.	Increase network capacity by 30% and reduce latency by 20%.	Implement load balancing technologies, improve network infrastructure and use advanced monitoring tools.	Ensure optimal performance and high availability of services in distributed environments.	Achieve network capacity improvements within 4 months.
How to draft it: Optimize network capacity in distributed environments in 4 months, by increasing network capacity by 30% and reducing latency by 20%, implementing load balancing technologies (such as content distribution network, adoption of MPLS, traffic prioritization), improvements in the network infrastructure and the use of advanced monitoring tools, to ensure optimal performance and high availability of services in distributed environments.

Benefits of SMART Goals

When you have set SMART goals, you may get clear benefits for yourself and your IT management team:

- - Improvements in communication through clarity about what you wish to achieve and how to achieve it.
  - When measured, it can be improved, without subjectivity. Progress can be monitored, in addition to establishing accountability mechanisms and even incentives.
  - Increase in confidence and frustration prevention thanks to the achievable nature of the goals.
  - Commitment of the team to achieve goals within a defined time frame, generating a sense of prioritization and responsibility.

And something very important is the relevance of the objectives, seeking that they are always aligned with the goals of the organization, generating a positive and tangible impact for the business.

Disadvantages or, Rather, Considerations about SMART Goals

You always have to see the other side of the coin to avoid some frustration when implementing a methodology. Therefore, we recommend that you consider the following:

- - Avoid the lack of flexibility. There may be limitations for specific aspects that prevent you from exploring options outside the methodology. You must be able to adapt to changing conditions. It is perfectly fine to readjust goals.
  - Excessive focus on results. It is true that SMART goals focus on the final results. This may lead to frustration if immediate success is not achieved. Focus on learning along the way.
  - Not using intuition. Although SMART goals are written in order to maintain a plan, do not neglect intuition. Trust what your instincts and experience can complement what you have written down in your SMART goals.

And there are not only SMART goals but also SMARTER ones

Evaluation and Review have been added to the SMART elements, becoming S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals , where E.R. refer to:

- - Evaluation: Goals must be periodically evaluated on their progress in order to be able to make the necessary adjustments.
  - Review: Goals need to be continually reviewed to ensure they remain relevant and achievable, especially when we know business conditions are changing and therefore IT initiatives need to be synchronized to those needs.

As you may see, by incorporating evaluation and review into SMART goals, we seek to ensure continuous evaluation and adaptation, while maintaining focus and long-term improvements.

Conclusion: How SMART goals improve IT projects

Adopting the SMART goals methodology helps optimize IT monitoring projects, as it allows IT staff to look towards the same objectives, improving communication about what and how they want to achieve in an objective, measurable and reliable way, in addition to establishing a joint commitment. The ultimate goal of this type of objective is to generate a relevant impact for the business and its customers.
Pandora FMS recommends approaching its consultants to find out how to carry out the SMART objectives based on a comprehensive and intuitive solution for system monitoring and observability, as well as those of each of their components and their services. For example, Pandora FMS has the capabilities to detect the factors that impact user experience.

About PandoraFMS
Pandora FMS is a flexible monitoring system, capable of monitoring devices, infrastructures, applications, services and business processes.
Of course, one of the things that Pandora FMS can control is the hard disks of your computers.

About Version 2 Digital

Pandorafms 2024

What is Canonical OpenStack and How to Protect it?

Among the many cloud platforms available, Canonical OpenStack is notable for its open-source foundation, cost efficiency, and scalability. Unlike many proprietary solutions, it gives companies complete control over their cloud infrastructure and flexibility in network, compute, storage, and network administration. This article explores why Canonical OpenStack is a leading choice, covering its components, key advantages, use cases, and more.

What is Canonical OpenStack?

Canonical OpenStack is a leading open-source cloud computing platform. It is meant to help with distributed compute, network, and storage resource administration. Canonical OpenStack combines these resources into pools, allowing companies to offer virtual resources on demand via a self-service portal.

Because of its capacity, it is a reasonably priced substitute for proprietary virtualization solutions. As a result, companies can maximize their cloud expenditures and compete with hyperscale service providers.

How Does OpenStack Work?

OpenStack aggregates physical resources into a big pool from which it distributes virtual resources when customers request them through a self-service portal or application programming interfaces (APIs). It does not handle virtualization directly, but instead, it capitalizes on existing virtualization technologies. As a result, it can facilitate the rapid deployment and management of cloud-native services.

Key Components of OpenStack

OpenStack was designed based on a modular architecture. It has several main features, which include:

Nova: The main compute running instance scheduling, creation, and termination. It supports Hyper-V, Xen, QEMU/KVM, and VMware ESXi among other hypervisors.
Glance: An image service that controls, uploads, and retrieves cloud images for instances running on the platform.
Neutron: Provides networking capabilities between instances, allowing multi-VM deployments to take place.
Cinder: Manages block storage by provisioning, managing, and terminating persistent block devices.
Swift: Offers scalable object storage services that retrieve and store unstructured data objects using a RESTful API for OpenStack services and instances running on the Cloud.
Keystone: Handles authentication and authorization functions for users in multi-tenant environments.

Advantages Over Competition

Canonical OpenStack offers several advantages compared to other cloud platforms:

Focus on Performance and Simplicity

The implementation of a small-scale private cloud can be complex and costly, especially for organizations without the necessary expertise. Sunbeam, an OpenStack project, offers a solution by simplifying the adoption process and providing a more accessible platform. MicroStack, a Sunbeam-based distribution, is specifically designed for small-scale environments and can be self-deployed without requiring professional services. This provides organizations with a cost-effective option for building their own private cloud infrastructure. Additionally, MicroStack is supported by Canonical, a leading provider of cloud infrastructure solutions. With the support of Canonical, MicroStack offers a robust and reliable option for organizations looking to deploy a small-scale private cloud.

Cost Efficiency

Although the initial capital expenditures (CapEx) for implementing OpenStack can be somewhat high, the operational expenses (OpEx) are far lower than the cost of using hyperscalers. This results in a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) over time, making it an attractive option for long-term cloud operations.

Full Cloud Functionality

Unlike traditional virtualization platforms like VMware vSphere, OpenStack provides a complete cloud environment that resembles public clouds. Users can request resources programmatically through APIs, enabling rapid infrastructure automation and cloud-native operations.

Community Support

There are thousands of contributors and organizations involved in its development, including Red Hat, IBM, Huawei, and Cisco. As a result, Canonical OpenStack benefits from continuous enhancements and community-driven support.

The Canonical OpenStack Distribution

The Canonical Distribution of OpenStack is designed to be the most straightforward and efficient way to deploy and manage OpenStack private clouds. It acts as an “autopilot” for creating reference OpenStack clouds in minutes and provides full management, monitoring, and scaling capabilities.

This distribution automates the entire process of building a fully managed private cloud from bare metal. It offers high performance, allowing users to focus on their applications rather than the underlying infrastructure. The Canonical OpenStack is currently in public beta. It is free for small-scale deployments of up to 10 physical and ten virtual machines.

This approach significantly reduces the time and costs associated with deploying private clouds. As a result, enterprises can optimize their resources effectively while maintaining a focus on innovation and application development.

Key features of the Canonical Distribution of OpenStack

Automated Cloud Creation

Users can simply point the distribution at their physical hardware and specify their preferences for storage, software-defined networking, and hypervisors. The system will then automatically create, manage, and monitor the cloud environment.

Integration with MAAS and Landscape

The distribution utilizes MAAS (Metal as a Service) for physical hardware detection and provisioning, combined with Canonical’s Landscape for systems management. This integration allows for easy addition of machines to the cloud and ensures high availability through physical isolation zones.

Web-Based User Interface

It offers a simple web-based UI in Landscape that enables users to select compatible components for their cloud, streamlining the setup process.

OpenStack-Aware Monitoring

Once the cloud has been built, Landscape provides monitoring tools that track the health of cloud resources. Landscape doesn’t only monitor the running cloud environment. It also provides real-time predictions based on current utilization trends. This helps in capacity planning to determine when additional compute nodes or storage will be needed.

Vendor Flexibility

The Canonical Distribution supports a wide range of vendor components for network, storage, and compute resources, ensuring that organizations can choose solutions that best fit their needs.

Canonical continuously tests thousands of configurations of Canonical OpenStack built with third-party hardware and software in its OpenStack Interoperability Lab (OIL) to find more compatible cloud components, giving customers a wider range of options and allowing them to make flexible choices.

Markets and Sectors

Canonical OpenStack is utilized across diverse industries due to its versatility:

Telecommunications: Service providers leverage OpenStack for network function virtualization (NFV), allowing them to implement efficient virtualized networks.
Public sector: Canonical OpenStack is a popular choice for public sector organizations due to its open-source nature, scalability, and security features. Governments worldwide are increasingly adopting OpenStack to modernize their IT infrastructure, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
Financial Services: Banks and financial institutions adopt Canonical OpenStack to manage data securely while complying with industry regulations.
Education: Universities use OpenStack for research projects requiring substantial computational resources without incurring prohibitive costs.
Healthcare: The healthcare sector benefits from the stability and security of Canonical OpenStack for managing sensitive patient data.

Use Cases for Canonical OpenStack

Organizations can leverage Canonical OpenStack in various ways:

Private Cloud Deployment: Businesses can establish their own private cloud infrastructures, optimizing costs while maintaining control over their data.
Public Cloud Services: Using Canonical OpenStack, local service providers can create public clouds offering options in countries where main hyperscalers might not be present.
Network Function Virtualization (NFV): OpenStack provides a basis for telecommunications companies to implement NFVI solutions. This allows these companies to have flexible and reasonably priced software-based telecom infrastructure.
Container Management: By extending OpenStack environments with container orchestration solutions like Kubernetes, organizations can improve workload granularity for cloud-native applications.

Data Protection for Canonical OpenStack

The integration of Storware Backup and Recovery with Canonical OpenStack and Canonical KVM ensures seamless operations within this cloud infrastructure, catering to the growing demand for robust cloud solutions. Storware offers a comprehensive backup and recovery solution specifically tailored for OpenStack environments, providing granular control, automation, and efficient data management. Its integration with Canonical’s offerings simplifies the backup and recovery process, allowing organizations to protect their critical data and ensure business continuity in the face of potential challenges.

Additionally, Storware Backup and Recovery integrates with the OpenStack Horizon plugin, providing a user-friendly interface for managing backups and recoveries directly within the OpenStack dashboard. Storware is also actively working on integrating with the OpenStack Skyline plugin, which will enable advanced monitoring and analytics of backup and recovery operations.

Learn more about Instant Restore option for OpenStack environments.

Conclusion

Canonical OpenStack is a robust solution for organizations seeking to build flexible, cost-effective cloud environments. Its automated deployment capabilities, modular architecture, and strong community support position it as a leading choice in the open-source cloud landscape. From telecoms to healthcare, Canonical OpenStack keeps becoming more and more popular as companies try to use open-source technology in their cloud plans based on its track record across several sectors.

About Storware
Storware is a backup software producer with over 10 years of experience in the backup world. Storware Backup and Recovery is an enterprise-grade, agent-less solution that caters to various data environments. It supports virtual machines, containers, storage providers, Microsoft 365, and applications running on-premises or in the cloud. Thanks to its small footprint, seamless integration into your existing IT infrastructure, storage, or enterprise backup providers is effortless.

About Version 2 Digital

2024 Storware

FBI Issues Urgent Warning: Why MSPs Must Step Up to Protect Small Businesses from Surging Email Attacks

Key Takeaways for the MSP Community:

The FBI has issued an urgent warning about a sophisticated email phishing campaign targeting Gmail and Outlook users.
This cyber threat can result in severe data breaches, identity theft, and significant financial and operational damage for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
MSPs are essential in defending their clients by maintaining vigilance and implementing strong cybersecurity measures.

The FBI recently issued a critical warning regarding a widespread, highly targeted phishing scheme impacting Gmail and Outlook users. This phishing campaign masquerades as urgent communications from government agencies and is designed to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive information or installing malicious software. This type of attack places SMBs, which often lack comprehensive in-house cybersecurity infrastructure, at considerable risk and highlights the indispensable role of MSPs in shielding them from these threats.

Understanding the FBI’s Warning

According to the FBI’s alert, cybercriminals are crafting phishing emails that mimic legitimate government correspondence, using official logos and formal language to appear authentic. These emails contain subject lines that reference emergency government data updates or critical notifications, designed to create a sense of urgency. Recipients are prompted to click on embedded links or download attachments, which can deploy malware or redirect them to fraudulent sites where their credentials are harvested.

The strategy behind these attacks leverages psychological manipulation, exploiting fear and urgency to push recipients into quick, often careless, action. Considering that Gmail and Outlook are widely used by SMBs for daily operations, the scale of potential damage is significant.

Implications of the Phishing Campaign for SMBs

This phishing campaign poses serious threats to SMBs in multiple ways:

Data Breaches and Sensitive Information Theft: Email accounts often hold valuable data, including client information, contracts, and confidential documents. Once a phishing attack compromises an account, cybercriminals can access this data, potentially resulting in data breaches that can go undetected for weeks.
Financial Losses: Phishing is frequently used to gain access to financial accounts or manipulate victims into making unauthorized payments. For SMBs, a single incident can result in thousands of dollars in losses, which can be devastating.
Operational Disruption: Malware delivered via phishing emails, such as ransomware, can lock SMBs out of their systems until a ransom is paid. This type of downtime can disrupt business operations and erode customer trust.
Reputation Damage: SMBs rely on trust to maintain their client relationships. A data breach can harm an SMB’s reputation and lead to lost business opportunities and client attrition.

Why MSPs Are Critical in Protecting SMBs

Given the pace at which cyber threats evolve, SMBs often struggle to stay ahead of the latest tactics used by cybercriminals. This is where MSPs play an essential role. As trusted partners, MSPs can provide the knowledge, tools, and ongoing support that SMBs need to defend against these sophisticated attacks.

1. Training and Education: One of the most effective first lines of defense is employee awareness. MSPs should conduct regular training sessions to help SMB staff recognize phishing emails, particularly those that mimic government communications. Educating employees about red flags—such as unfamiliar senders, urgent language, and unexpected attachments—can significantly reduce the risk of human error.

2. Advanced Email Security Measures MSPs should implement state-of-the-art email security solutions that go beyond basic filters. AI-powered tools that detect suspicious links, scan attachments for malware, and identify anomalous behavior can prevent phishing attempts from reaching users’ inboxes.

3. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) Phishing attacks have grown more sophisticated, with some capable of bypassing basic security protocols. MSPs should ensure that their SMB clients use MFA to add an additional layer of security. This helps prevent unauthorized access even if credentials are compromised.

4. Real-Time Threat Monitoring and Incident Response Effective cybersecurity isn’t just about prevention; it’s also about swift response. MSPs should offer real-time monitoring and response services that detect and mitigate threats before they can cause damage. Additionally, having a well-defined incident response plan in place helps SMBs respond quickly and efficiently in the event of a breach, minimizing potential damage.

Guardz: Committed to Protecting MSPs and SMBs

At Guardz, we understand the unique challenges that MSPs face when safeguarding SMBs from complex cyber threats like phishing. Our platform is specifically designed to empower MSPs with the comprehensive tools and support needed to secure SMBs effectively.

What Guardz Offers to MSPs:

Advanced Threat Intelligence: Guardz stays ahead of emerging threats with continuously updated threat intelligence. This ensures that MSPs are equipped with the latest insights to protect their clients against evolving phishing tactics.
Phishing Simulation and Employee Training: Our platform includes simulation tools that enable MSPs to train their clients’ employees, improving their ability to identify and respond to phishing attempts.
Comprehensive Email Protection: Guardz’s solutions are built to seamlessly integrate with existing systems, providing robust email security that filters suspicious communications and blocks potential threats.
24/7 Support and Incident Response: In the event of an incident, Guardz offers 24/7 support to assist MSPs with rapid response, helping to reduce downtime and mitigate potential damages.

A Partnership for Resilience

Cyber threats like those highlighted in the FBI’s warning (cross-link to the official news article) are a clear reminder of the need for robust cybersecurity partnerships. Guardz is committed to standing with the MSP community to provide the tools, training, and support necessary to protect SMBs. Together, we can create a more secure digital environment where SMBs can thrive without fear of cyberattacks.

Conclusion

In an era where cyberattacks are increasingly targeting SMBs, MSPs must stay proactive and vigilant. By partnering with Guardz, MSPs gain access to industry-leading solutions designed to combat phishing and other evolving threats. Our commitment to supporting MSPs and their clients is unwavering, ensuring that SMBs receive the protection they need to navigate today’s complex threat landscape safely.

About Guardz
Guardz is on a mission to create a safer digital world by empowering Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Their goal is to proactively secure and insure Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) against ever-evolving threats while simultaneously creating new revenue streams, all on one unified platform.

About Version 2 Digital

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LDAP vs. Active Directory: Know the Differences and Use Cases

When managing user information and network resources, think of LDAP and Active Directory (AD) as two powerful tools in your digital toolbox. Suppose you’re organizing a large library. LDAP is like a universal cataloging system that helps you find any book from various libraries, regardless of its location. It provides a way to look up and manage the books, but it doesn’t come with the actual shelves or library services.

On the other hand, Active Directory is akin to a well-organized, high-tech library system that not only catalogs books but also manages everything in a library, from checking books in and out to controlling access to special collections.

LDAP vs Active Directory — LDAP or Active Directory: Which to Use and When

It’s a comprehensive system specifically designed to handle all the needs of a Windows-based library or network.

So, what sets these two apart?

Difference Between LDAP and Active Directory

	LDAP	Active Directory
Overview	LDAP, or Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, is a protocol used for accessing and managing directory services. It’s like a set of rules that help applications communicate with a directory service. Think of LDAP as a universal language for talking to directories.	Active Directory (AD), developed by Microsoft, is a directory service used mainly in Windows environments. It’s like a giant address book for your network, keeping track of all users, computers, and resources.
Purpose	LDAP’s main job is to organize and retrieve information from a directory. It’s not a directory itself but rather a way to interact with one.	AD is used to manage and organize users, computers, and other resources in a network. It’s more than just a protocol, it’s a full directory service with built-in management tools.
Structure	LDAP directories are often structured as a tree with various branches, which makes it easy to navigate and find information.	In AD, assets are sorted into one of three tiers, domains, trees, and Forests. It includes features like Group Policy and Domain Services, which help manage network resources and user permissions.
Flexibility	LDAP can be used with different directory services and is often employed in various systems like email servers and corporate databases.	AD is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Windows environments, offering a range of tools and features for system administrators.
Use Cases	Ideal for querying and modifying directory information across various environments, including Unix and Linux systems. It’s versatile and can be used in diverse setups where different directory services are involved.	Best suited for managing users and resources in a Windows-based network. It’s commonly used in corporate environments where integration with other Microsoft services is essential.
Integrations	Works with a variety of directory services beyond Microsoft’s ecosystem. Its broad compatibility makes it suitable for integrating with different systems and platforms.	Specifically designed for Windows environments. It integrates deeply with other Microsoft products, offering features like Group Policy and Domain Services that enhance its functionality in a Windows-centric setup.

Similarities Between LDAP and Active Directory

Despite their differences, LDAP and Active Directory (AD) share several key similarities:

Directory Services

Both LDAP and Active Directory are integral to managing directory services. They play an important role in storing, organizing, and retrieving information about users, devices, and other network resources. Whether you’re using LDAP or AD, both systems help keep track of this critical data, ensuring it’s accessible and well-organized.

Hierarchical Structure

LDAP and Active Directory utilize a hierarchical structure to organize information. This tree-like structure makes it easier to locate and manage data within their directories. By arranging data in a hierarchy, both systems allow for efficient data retrieval and organization, simplifying administrative tasks.

Authentication and Authorization

Both LDAP and Active Directory are used to authenticate and authorize users. They ensure that individuals can only access the resources and information they are permitted to use. This process helps secure the network and control access, making sure that sensitive data and resources are protected from unauthorized users.

Also read: Authentication vs. Authorization

Support for Various Protocols

While LDAP is a protocol used for accessing directory services, Active Directory supports LDAP as one of its communication protocols. This means that LDAP clients can interact with Active Directory servers using the LDAP protocol, providing a level of compatibility and flexibility between the two systems.

Centralized Management

Both LDAP and Active Directory offer centralized management capabilities. This feature allows administrators to manage users and resources from a single location. Centralized management streamlines administrative tasks, making it easier to oversee and control various aspects of the network and directory services.

When to Use LDAP

If your organization needs a flexible, protocol-based solution for directory services, LDAP is a strong candidate. It is ideal when you require a versatile system that can interact with various directory services and platforms, regardless of their specific technology. For example, if you’re managing user accounts across a diverse set of systems, LDAP provides a standardized method for accessing and updating directory information. Its protocol-centric design makes it highly adaptable, allowing integration with different types of directory services without being tied to a particular vendor or technology stack.

LDAP is also suitable for environments where you need to interact with multiple types of directory systems or where a universal directory service is necessary. In scenarios where you are integrating with third-party systems or applications, its flexibility ensures seamless communication and data retrieval.

When to Use Active Directory

Active Directory is often the best choice for businesses predominantly using Windows as their operating system. Designed and developed by Microsoft, AD offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services specifically tailored for Windows environments. If your organization operates within a Windows-based network, AD seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products, such as Exchange, SharePoint, and Office 365. This integration enhances efficiency by allowing admins to manage users, computers, and resources from a central point.

AD’s built-in features, like Group Policy, Domain Services, and Federation Services, further simplify administrative tasks. Group Policy allows for centralized management of settings and permissions across the network, while Domain Services handle user authentication and resource access. Federation Services enables single sign-on across different systems and applications. AD’s deep integration with Windows platforms and Microsoft services makes it the ideal choice for managing a Windows-centric network environment.

Simplify and Strengthen Access Management

Choosing between LDAP and Active Directory involves understanding your organization’s specific needs and infrastructure. LDAP offers flexibility and cross-platform compatibility, making it a versatile solution for diverse environments and various directory services. On the other hand, Active Directory is modified for Windows-centric setups, providing a comprehensive suite of tools that seamlessly integrate with Microsoft products for network management.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on aligning the solution with your access management goals and technical work-frame.

About Scalefusion
Scalefusion’s company DNA is built on the foundation of providing world-class customer service and making endpoint management simple and effortless for businesses globally. We prioritize the needs and feedback of our customers, making sure that they are at the forefront of all decision-making processes. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive customer support services, and place emphasis on customer-centric thinking throughout the organization.

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