ConnectWise’s Acquisition of Axcient and SkyKick: What it Means for MSPs

The managed services industry has experienced significant changes, exemplified by ConnectWise's acquisition of Axcient and SkyKick. As Managed Service Providers (MSPs) aim to improve service delivery, optimize operations, and bolster data security and data protection for their clients, these acquisitions introduce new resources that have the potential to greatly impact the way MSPs conduct their business.

Why This Acquisition Matters

With both Axcient and SkyKick under its belt, ConnectWise is positioning itself as an even stronger contender in the MSP solutions market. Axcient, known for its comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity solutions, has been a trusted name among MSPs for safeguarding client data and ensuring uptime. SkyKick, on the other hand, excels in cloud automation and backup, simplifying the migration and management of Microsoft 365 environments.

By bringing these two under its umbrella, ConnectWise is solidifying its stance as a one-stop-shop for MSPs offering everything from backup and recovery to cloud management, automation, and cybersecurity.

What MSPs Can Expect

1. Stronger Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: With Axcient’s deep expertise in business continuity, MSPs will be able to offer their customers more robust protection against downtime and data loss. This is particularly critical in today’s environment, where even a few hours of downtime can lead to significant financial loss for clients.

2. Expanded Cloud Services and Automation: SkyKick’s cloud management and migration capabilities mean MSPs can streamline cloud transitions for their clients with minimal effort. This acquisition also strengthens ConnectWise’s existing cloud offerings, giving MSPs more tools to automate migrations and ongoing cloud management.

3. Seamless Integration: ConnectWise already has a strong platform for ticketing, RMM, and PSA tools. Adding Axcient and SkyKick into the fold means these services will be more tightly integrated into the ConnectWise ecosystem. MSPs can expect more unified workflows, less tool fatigue, and increased efficiency in day-to-day operations.

4. Improved Cybersecurity Posture: Security continues to be a top priority for MSPs. Axcient’s backup and disaster recovery solutions combined with SkyKick’s comprehensive cloud backup capabilities mean better protection for clients’ critical data. This enhanced security offering helps MSPs differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

The Bigger Picture: MSP Consolidation

This acquisition is part of a larger trend in the MSP industry, consolidation. As the demands on MSPs grow, providers are looking for comprehensive platforms that minimize complexity while enhancing service offerings. ConnectWise’s acquisition of Axcient and SkyKick follows a clear strategy to build a more robust, integrated ecosystem for MSPs, reducing reliance on disparate tools and platforms.

Opportunities for Growth

For MSPs, the message is clear: Now is the time to lean into these platforms and leverage their capabilities to drive growth. By offering enhanced backup, disaster recovery, cloud management, and automation services through ConnectWise’s platform, MSPs can deliver more value to clients while optimizing their own internal operations.

This acquisition also highlights a crucial reality that MSPs must continue to evolve to stay competitive. Automation, security, and cloud services are no longer optional; they are essential elements of any MSP’s toolkit.

What’s Next for MSPs?

MSPs using ConnectWise will undoubtedly benefit from deeper integration and an expanded service portfolio. Those considering a switch may find the unified platform appealing, as it reduces the need for multiple vendors and offers comprehensive support across key areas like cloud, security, and continuity.

For the broader MSP community, this acquisition sets the stage for the next phase of managed services one where automation, data protection, and seamless cloud management are critical for growth and sustainability.

Conclusion

ConnectWise’s acquisition of Axcient and SkyKick is a game-changer for MSPs. With improved backup, disaster recovery, and cloud automation capabilities, MSPs are poised to offer enhanced services to their clients while streamlining their operations. As the MSP industry continues to evolve, these acquisitions remind us that the future is about integration, automation, and security and ConnectWise is leading the charge.

If you’re an MSP looking to stay ahead of the curve, now is the time to explore how ConnectWise’s growing ecosystem can drive your business forward.