PARTNERS ’ PERSPECTIVE
Power of MSP and AI will influence channel business in 2025
Sahil Rekhi , EVP Global Channel and Partnerships , Kore . ai
Channel chiefs from Kore . ai , Kaseya , TruMethods , Ivanti share their perspectives and forecasts about the changing nature of partner sales models and how AI , SMBs , vendor fatigue , MSPs , hyper localisation , recurring revenue models , among others will challenge partners and also open avenues for growth and expansion .
2025 will elevate partner programmes beyond their traditional role as sales enablers to become strategic growth engines . At the core of this shift is the continuous feedback loop between vendors and their partners .
Partners with well-developed skill sets in AI will be well-positioned to reap the rewards , acting as ideation factories that help clients choose the right technologies , develop roadmaps for AI transformation , and bridge existing AI skills gaps .
SMBs ’ productivity increases since they now have access to the same technology big companies have and this allows them to be more entrepreneurial . They are making up a larger portion of the global economy , which presents opportunity for Managed Service Providers , MSPs . Many of these SMBs do not have internal IT and security .
MSPs will demonstrate a preference towards platform solutions , whether it is a security platform , endpoint security platform , backup platform or an all-in-one IT and security platform . Vendor fatigue is real and MSPs are looking to converge their spending with as few vendors as possible .
We are also seeing a massive shift from one-time sales to recurring revenue models .
Many SMEs will be looking to adopt a subscription-based approach in 2025 , as it helps with customer retention and a more predictable cash flow .
Hyper-localisation , tailoring services for specific regions or even neighbourhoods , is a trend that allows smaller businesses to compete with larger players by creating bigger local relevance and deeper customer connections . Again , this will become a growth area for channel partners . Read on for a deep dive into these market dynamics .
Sahil Rekhi , EVP Global Channel and Partnerships , Kore . ai
What do channel businesses and their vendor partners expect from the first quarter of 2025 ? Will it start with a bang or a whimper ? Where will the opportunities come from ? What issues could potentially
The start of 2025 for channel partners is set to be a complex interplay of potential opportunities and persistent challenges . put a dampener on the new year mood ? Will it be good , bad , ugly or indifferent ?
The start of 2025 for channel partners is set to be a complex interplay of potential opportunities and persistent challenges . With high demand for AI-driven solutions , the rise of generative AI , and the growth of AI-as-a-Service , the year is set to begin with significant momentum fuelled by discussions on these advancements .
Partners will need to keep pace with rapid technological advancements , but the good news is that many AI vendors are prioritising education and support to ensure partners become experts in this space . The success of AI initiatives will heavily depend on partners , who are uniquely positioned to benefit from client demand , vendor investments , and competitive margins .
Those who embrace this role as the tip of the spear will thrive in the burgeoning AI market .
Over the next year , customers will increasingly seek partners who can deliver scalable , flexible AI solutions that align with their evolving business needs . They will prioritise trusted advisors capable of guiding them through their AI transformation journey , addressing pain points , staying competitive , and navigating market challenges .
Partners with well-developed skill sets in AI will be well-positioned to reap the rewards , acting as ideation factories that help clients choose the right technologies ,
24 www . intelligenttechchannels . com