Channel Insider: Partner POV

Channel Insider, Katie Bavoso, TechnologyAdvice

Channel Insider: Partner POV shines a light on the IT channel solution providers helping to drive innovation and solve challenges for their customers' businesses.

  1. Harbor IT on NENS Acquisition and Why the Generalist MSP Model Is Dying

    FEB 25

    Harbor IT on NENS Acquisition and Why the Generalist MSP Model Is Dying

    CFO Hannah Paige and newly appointed CRO Michael Kourkoulakos, the former CEO of NENS, share how the newly combined organization is building a cyber-first MSP platform designed for complex, regulated industries. The conversation explores why vertical specialization is replacing the traditional “generalist MSP” model, how cybersecurity and cloud complexity have reshaped the market, and how Harbor IT plans to scale expertise across industries like life sciences and financial services. They also discuss the role of specialized practices, advisory services, and proprietary security capabilities to help mid-market organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture while accelerating business growth. Topics Covered  - The evolution of the MSP market  - Why generalist MSPs are struggling to compete  - Harbor IT’s cyber-first strategy  - The acquisition of New England Network Solutions (NENS)  - How vertical specialization drives customer value  - Scaling expertise across regulated industries  - The future of managed services in 2026 and beyond Timestamps  00:00 – Why the traditional MSP model is breaking  00:28 – Introduction to Harbor IT and the acquisition of NENS  01:44 – Harbor IT’s mission and cyber-first strategy  04:43 – The origin and growth of New England Network Solutions  09:30 – Customer benefits of the Harbor IT + NENS integration  12:29 – Expanding expertise across a 400-person platform  14:26 – Why the “generalist MSP” model is a losing strategy, according to Michael  18:09 – What changed in IT over the past 15 years  20:20 – Risks for MSPs that fail to specialize  21:25 – How Harbor IT plans to stay competitive through 2026 A new episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV is released every other Thursday.  Watch the interview on YouTube @ChannelInsider_NewsAndTrends If you have questions for a featured solution provider or want to be a guest on the show, reach out to us at partnerpov@channelinsider.com For more episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV as well as written content on the IT channel, go to channelinsider.com Connect with Channel Insider on LinkedIn.  Episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV are hosted and produced by Katie Bavoso with help from Dana Sell, and edited by Ayen Alvarez and Katie Bavoso.  The cover art for Channel Insider: Partner POV was created by Aubri Ziegler. The opening and closing animations were made by Mackenzie Burke. The thumbnails for each episode are made by Brandon Cornwell. Channel Insider: Partner POV is an asset of Channel Insider, which is a brand under TechnologyAdvice.

    46 min
  2. How Netskope and Optiv Fight Shadow AI

    FEB 12

    How Netskope and Optiv Fight Shadow AI

    Joe Green of Netskope and Paul Herrmann of Optiv discuss the real-world impact of SASE, data protection, shadow AI, and why outcomes-driven partnerships matter more than ever in today’s security landscape. Topics covered include: - Securing cloud and AI adoption without slowing innovation  - The rise of shadow AI and how to control it  - Why services and governance are critical to security outcomes  - How Netskope and Optiv collaborate to reduce customer friction  - A real-world customer success story spanning deployment to managed services    Chapters / Time Codes 00:00 – Introduction and why secure modernization matters  00:57 – The Netskope and Optiv partnership explained  02:19 – Netskope’s IPO and what it means for partners  04:30 – Why outcomes matter more than tools alone  05:12 – AI innovation vs security and compliance challenges  06:09 – How Netskope secures cloud and AI journeys  08:03 – What shadow AI is and why it’s risky  10:01 – How Optiv adds value with governance and services  11:14 – Partner collaboration before the customer meeting  14:34 – Customer success story from deployment to expansion  18:05 – Where to learn more about Netskope and Optiv   For more Partner POV episodes, visit ChannelInsider.com.   A new episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV is released every other Thursday.  Watch the interview on YouTube @ChannelInsider_NewsAndTrends If you have questions for a featured solution provider or want to be a guest on the show, reach out to us at partnerpov@channelinsider.com For more episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV as well as written content on the IT channel, go to channelinsider.com Connect with Channel Insider on LinkedIn.  Episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV are hosted and produced by Katie Bavoso with help from Dana Sell, and edited by Ayen Alvarez and Katie Bavoso.  The cover art for Channel Insider: Partner POV was created by Aubri Ziegler. The opening and closing animations were made by Mackenzie Burke. The thumbnails for each episode are made by Brandon Cornwell. Channel Insider: Partner POV is an asset of Channel Insider, which is a brand under TechnologyAdvice.

    20 min
  3. Hype, Bubble, or Breakthrough? Talking All Things AI with The Neuron

    FEB 12

    Hype, Bubble, or Breakthrough? Talking All Things AI with The Neuron

    From Anthropic vs. OpenAI vs. Google to the AI bubble debate, AGI definitions, and how everyday users are leveraging tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, this episode breaks down what’s hype, what’s real, and what it actually means for businesses and individuals. Plus: how The Neuron became one of the fastest-growing AI podcasts in just one year.    Topics Covered: 00:00 – Welcome + Neuron crossover intro  02:39 – Why The Neuron reboot worked  05:16 – Landing interviews with Microsoft & OpenAI  09:35 – Favorite interviews (OpenAI, Pathway, Microsoft AI)  12:35 – Who’s winning AI right now? Anthropic vs. OpenAI vs. Google  17:26 – What is AGI and why can’t anyone define it?  20:30 – Real-world AI use cases (plumbing, home repairs, daily life)  24:39 – How Grant & Corey use AI professionally  32:06 – Is it impossible to stay ahead of AI?  34:47 – You don't need to spend 10 hours a day learning AI. Alberto Romero on how to learn AI in 1 Day. 37:54 – Are we in an AI bubble?  44:05 – AI vs. the internet revolution comparison  48:18 – Safety, regulation, and responsible AI use 50:21 – Where to follow The Neuron Whether you’re an IT leader, business decision-maker, or just trying to figure out where in your life you could use AI, this conversation delivers clarity without the hype.  👉 Subscribe to Channel Insider for more conversations with tech leaders. See more interviews and channel content at channelinsider.com 👉 Check out The Neuron at theneurondaily.com and on YouTube  @theneuronai ​ A new episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV is released every other Thursday.  Watch the interview on YouTube @ChannelInsider_NewsAndTrends If you have questions for a featured solution provider or want to be a guest on the show, reach out to us at partnerpov@channelinsider.com For more episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV as well as written content on the IT channel, go to channelinsider.com Connect with Channel Insider on LinkedIn.  Episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV are hosted and produced by Katie Bavoso with help from Dana Sell, and edited by Ayen Alvarez and Katie Bavoso.  The cover art for Channel Insider: Partner POV was created by Aubri Ziegler. The opening and closing animations were made by Mackenzie Burke. The thumbnails for each episode are made by Brandon Cornwell. Channel Insider: Partner POV is an asset of Channel Insider, which is a brand under TechnologyAdvice.

    52 min
  4. SurePath AI CEO Secure GenAI Adoption with Zero Trust

    FEB 11

    SurePath AI CEO Secure GenAI Adoption with Zero Trust

    Learn how zero trust principles apply to AI, why blocking AI increases risk, and how AWS enables secure, enterprise-ready AI environments. Topics Covered:00:00 – The AI adoption paradox: Move fast or risk falling behind 03:06 – What surprises companies most about AI usage 05:05 – Why legacy security tools fail with LLM workflows 07:34 – What zero trust looks like in an AI-driven enterprise 09:49 – Real-world financial services use case 11:08 – Why SurePath AI partnered with AWS 13:55 – How SurePath fits into the AWS partner ecosystem 15:28 – Time to value: What customers see in the first hour 17:56 – The 30–60 day shift from risk management to AI acceleration 18:19 – Why CIOs and CISOs must become the “Department of Yes” 19:31 – Where to learn more about SurePath AI 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with technology leaders shaping the future of the IT channel. A new episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV is released every other Thursday.  Watch the interview on YouTube @ChannelInsider_NewsAndTrends If you have questions for a featured solution provider or want to be a guest on the show, reach out to us at partnerpov@channelinsider.com For more episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV as well as written content on the IT channel, go to channelinsider.com Connect with Channel Insider on LinkedIn.  Episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV are hosted and produced by Katie Bavoso with help from Dana Sell, and edited by Ayen Alvarez and Katie Bavoso.  The cover art for Channel Insider: Partner POV was created by Aubri Ziegler. The opening and closing animations were made by Mackenzie Burke. The thumbnails for each episode are made by Brandon Cornwell. Channel Insider: Partner POV is an asset of Channel Insider, which is a brand under TechnologyAdvice.

    21 min
  5. Integris CEO and CRO on AI, Acquisitions, and How To Be an Irreplaceable MSP

    JAN 29

    Integris CEO and CRO on AI, Acquisitions, and How To Be an Irreplaceable MSP

    Glenn shares how his role has evolved since becoming CEO in 2025, how Integris is investing heavily in AI, automation, and the application layer, and why the company is acquiring both MSP and non-MSP businesses to build a true digital-state platform. Kyle explains how verticalization, deep customer expertise, and advisory services are helping Integris stand out in an increasingly crowded MSP market — and what customers can do with the additional AI budget many are allocating in 2026.  This conversation dives into how MSPs can move beyond infrastructure, avoid commoditization, and become long-term strategic partners for their customers. Topics & Time Codes00:00 – Welcome & 2026 vision for Integris Glenn Mathis returns to Partner POV as CEO alongside new CRO Kyle Wewe. 01:28 – Glenn’s new role as CEO & setting the pace for growth How Integris is aligning strategy, culture, and investments for the future. 03:25 – From infrastructure to the digital state Why Integris is expanding into data, applications, and AI-driven services. 04:20 – Why Kyle joined Integris as CRO Culture, transformation, and growth opportunities. 06:30 – What Glenn looks for in executive leaders Curiosity, adaptability, and building for what’s next. 09:33 – Why Integris refuses to be a “replaceable MSP” How positioning and portfolio strategy prevent commoditization. 13:12 – Verticalization as a true differentiator Building industry-specific playbooks, KPIs, and automations. 18:31 – Avoiding price-based buying decisions Why Integris invests heavily in assessments and advisory up front. 23:10 – Acquiring beyond MSPs How data, automation, and AI companies fit Integris’ strategy. 25:34 – The application layer focus for 2026 Helping customers actually use the data they already have. 28:14 – How Integris is investing in AI Reimagining workflows with AI agents and automation. 31:09 – Launching an AI Center of Excellence Upskilling teams and building vertical-specific automations. 32:47 – How customers should use their AI budgets in 2026 Practical guidance for starting (or scaling) an AI journey. A new episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV is released every other Thursday.  Watch the interview on YouTube @ChannelInsider_NewsAndTrends If you have questions for a featured solution provider or want to be a guest on the show, reach out to us at partnerpov@channelinsider.com For more episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV as well as written content on the IT channel, go to channelinsider.com Connect with Channel Insider on LinkedIn.  Episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV are hosted and produced by Katie Bavoso with help from Dana Sell, and edited by Ayen Alvarez and Katie Bavoso.  The cover art for Channel Insider: Partner POV was created by Aubri Ziegler. The opening and closing animations were made by Mackenzie Burke. The thumbnails for each episode are made by Brandon Cornwell. Channel Insider: Partner POV is an asset of Channel Insider, which is a brand under TechnologyAdvice.

    46 min
  6. How Rafay Systems Simplifies Hybrid Cloud & AI on AWS

    JAN 27

    How Rafay Systems Simplifies Hybrid Cloud & AI on AWS

    Mohan explains how Rafay works alongside AWS, why native cloud tools fall short in complex environments, and how enterprises can move from months-long setup times to production in hours. The conversation also dives into real-world use cases across biotech, finance, and global enterprises, showcasing how Rafay enables self-service, standardization, and faster innovation at scale. Whether you’re running AWS EKS, managing on-prem infrastructure, or preparing for AI-driven workloads, this interview breaks down what modern platform engineering looks like today. ⏱️ Topics & Time Codes 00:00 – Introduction to Partner POV & Rafay Systems  00:57 – What Rafay does and the cloud environments it serves  02:12 – Managing hybrid, multi-cloud, and air-gapped environments  02:50 – Rafay vs. native cloud tools and competing platforms  04:28 – Analyst recognition, enterprise adoption, and outcomes  05:28 – Time to value: Rafay vs. DIY Kubernetes  07:01 – Real-world customer story: biotech, compliance, and speed  09:20 – Supporting AI, GPUs, and containerized workloads  11:19 – GPU sharing, quotas, and global data science teams  12:59 – Rafay’s long-standing strategic partnership with AWS  15:44 – Why AWS EKS users add Rafay on top  17:46 – Self-service platforms, governance, and developer productivity  19:00 – Free trials and how to get started with Rafay  20:14 – Closing remarks A new episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV is released every other Thursday.  Watch the interview on YouTube @ChannelInsider_NewsAndTrends If you have questions for a featured solution provider or want to be a guest on the show, reach out to us at partnerpov@channelinsider.com For more episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV as well as written content on the IT channel, go to channelinsider.com Connect with Channel Insider on LinkedIn.  Episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV are hosted and produced by Katie Bavoso with help from Dana Sell, and edited by Ayen Alvarez and Katie Bavoso.  The cover art for Channel Insider: Partner POV was created by Aubri Ziegler. The opening and closing animations were made by Mackenzie Burke. The thumbnails for each episode are made by Brandon Cornwell. Channel Insider: Partner POV is an asset of Channel Insider, which is a brand under TechnologyAdvice.

    21 min
  7. How Truly SMB Helps Small to Midsize Businesses Adopt AI

    JAN 14

    How Truly SMB Helps Small to Midsize Businesses Adopt AI

    With customers across the UK and North America, Truly SMB focuses on helping organizations become “tech fit” through incremental, outcome-driven AI adoption—especially within the Microsoft ecosystem. The conversation explores why SMBs are underserved by the channel, how Microsoft Copilot is changing day-to-day work, and why AI adoption must be an ongoing journey, not a one-time project. This episode is ideal for MSPs, IT leaders, and SMB decision-makers looking to understand practical AI adoption, Microsoft Copilot use cases, and how service providers can guide long-term transformation. Topics & Time Codes 00:00 – Introduction to Truly SMB Who Truly SMB serves and why SMBs are the backbone of the economy  01:26 – Why SMBs Struggle With AI Adoption The challenges small businesses face when adopting new technology  05:03 – What “Tech Fit” Really Means Defining tech fitness and how Truly SMB benchmarks customer readiness  08:10 – AI Adoption Is Not One-and-Done Why continuous enablement matters more than single training sessions  10:49 – Real-World Microsoft Copilot Adoption Story How accountability and follow-ups drive real AI usage  13:09 – New CEO Vision for Truly SMB Tim Rooks on leadership, rebranding, and long-term strategy  17:41 – AI Strategy for SMBs in 2026 How Truly SMB helps customers start small and see quick wins  19:47 – Using AI Internally: “Customer Zero” How Truly SMB applies AI to its own operations  21:45 – Microsoft Copilot vs. Public AI Tools Why Copilot is a safer, easier entry point for SMBs, according to Tim and Matt  26:43 – Partnering With the UK’s Largest Chamber of Commerce Helping 12,000 businesses adopt AI responsibly  28:15 – Why SMBs Are Underserved by the Channel The business case for investing in SMB-focused AI solutions  29:58 – What’s Next for Truly SMB in 2026 AI roadmaps, customer obsession, and platform innovation  35:03 – How to Get Started With Truly SMB Taking the free Tech Fit assessment A new episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV is released every other Thursday.  Watch the interview on YouTube @ChannelInsider_NewsAndTrends If you have questions for a featured solution provider or want to be a guest on the show, reach out to us at partnerpov@channelinsider.com For more episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV as well as written content on the IT channel, go to channelinsider.com Connect with Channel Insider on LinkedIn.  Episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV are hosted and produced by Katie Bavoso with help from Dana Sell, and edited by Ayen Alvarez and Katie Bavoso.  The cover art for Channel Insider: Partner POV was created by Aubri Ziegler. The opening and closing animations were made by Mackenzie Burke. The thumbnails for each episode are made by Brandon Cornwell. Channel Insider: Partner POV is an asset of Channel Insider, which is a brand under TechnologyAdvice.

    37 min
  8. Q4 and 2025 Annual IT Channel Recap: AI, VMware, Security & 2026 Outlook

    JAN 2

    Q4 and 2025 Annual IT Channel Recap: AI, VMware, Security & 2026 Outlook

    From VMware and Broadcom partner shakeups to AI maturity, governance, security, major tech layoffs, CMMC 2.0 enforcement, and the evolving role of MSPs, this episode delivers a comprehensive look at how the channel is changing—and what partners need to prepare for the new year.  Whether you’re an MSP, vendor, distributor, or channel strategist, this episode covers the insights that shaped 2025 and will influence decisions in the year ahead. Topics & Time Codes  00:00 – Welcome & Q4 2025 channel overview  01:25 – Introducing Channel Insider writer Luis Millares  04:50 – Executive leadership shifts and vendor changes  06:34 – VMware & Broadcom partner program impact  11:51 – Partner-to-partner collaboration trends  12:13 – Veeam + ServiceNow partnership explained  13:36 – AI in the channel: from hype to execution  14:24 – Generative AI, agents, and enterprise adoption  16:20 – AI governance, trust, and compliance concerns  18:28 – Is there an AI bubble—or an “AI balloon”?  21:57 – Security, AI threats, and regulatory pressure  24:00 – CMMC 2.0 enforcement timeline and opportunities  26:26 – AI-powered cyber threats and Zero Trust  29:31 – Data sovereignty and cloud compliance trends  31:06 – Major tech layoffs: causes and channel impact 37:09 – How partners are choosing vendors in 2025  38:59 – MSP evolution and the rise of advisory services  44:12 – Channel Insider highlights & proudest moments  48:36 – Favorite stories and standout interviews of 2025  55:20 – 2026 predictions: AI, security, compliance & more  59:01 – The channel’s growing role in the IT ecosystem    A new episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV is released every other Thursday.  Watch the interview on YouTube @ChannelInsider_NewsAndTrends If you have questions for a featured solution provider or want to be a guest on the show, reach out to us at partnerpov@channelinsider.com For more episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV as well as written content on the IT channel, go to channelinsider.com Connect with Channel Insider on LinkedIn.  Episodes of Channel Insider: Partner POV are hosted and produced by Katie Bavoso with help from Dana Sell, and edited by Ayen Alvarez and Katie Bavoso.  The cover art for Channel Insider: Partner POV was created by Aubri Ziegler. The opening and closing animations were made by Mackenzie Burke. The thumbnails for each episode are made by Brandon Cornwell. Channel Insider: Partner POV is an asset of Channel Insider, which is a brand under TechnologyAdvice.

    1h 5m

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Channel Insider: Partner POV shines a light on the IT channel solution providers helping to drive innovation and solve challenges for their customers' businesses.