IT Nation Recap with Paul McFarlane

IT Nation Connect 2023

Paul McFarlane

Head of Managed Service Operations

I recently had the privilege of attending the ConnectWise IT Nation event in Orlando, and what an incredible event it was. The event featured over 100 vendors and stands, along with the ConnectWise central hub.

The location of the conference venue, Rosen Shingle Creek, was stunning, and some 50,000 steps later, I feel like I explored most of it. And the weather…hot. Damn hot!

Highlights

Wednesday kicked off with the keynote openings by ConnectWise leaders. The central focus was the integration of AI into the ConnectWise landscape and the potential it holds. Discussions also touched on Microsoft’s integration for their Security offering and the launch of the new product, ConnectWise Sidekick.

Thursday provided the opportunity to explore several new features and participate in breakout sessions addressing the challenges faced by MSPs in the current climate. It was invaluable to discover that MSPs worldwide share common challenges, yet we all strive toward a shared goal of overcoming them through innovation.

Friday brought the Solutions Pavilion to life, filled with vendors showcasing a diverse array of tools, from HR and Sales to AI bots handling various MSP tasks. I spent a considerable amount of time engaging with both familiar and unfamiliar vendors.

But it wasn’t all work and no play, they threw in a Seaworld party, a pub crawl (which was a bit of a nightmare as a non-drinker!!), and a tattoo stall – to name just a few!

IT-Nation-Connect-2023-event with seats. People are starting to sit down for the talk.

IT-Nation-Connect-2023. Busy event hall with talk in progress.

Key Takeaways

Throughout the event, I met individuals from all over the world, and I was genuinely amazed by the kindness and welcoming nature of everyone I encountered. There was a concerted effort to share knowledge and ideas.

My key takeaways for Quorum?

Significant Presence: Based on the conversations I had, Quorum are considered a very large MSP, with average endpoints of around 50-100 and Quorum at 2300!!
Automation is here to stay: Our alerting and monitoring of endpoints within Automate remain stable, dispelling rumors of its phasing out for RMM, ensuring stability and better pricing for us.
Focus on AI and Security: The industry buzzwords were AI and Security, with Quorum’s Managed Security service attracting substantial interest as well as ConnectWise emphasising its SOC/NOC offerings. We all know what ChatGPT can do, and the posibilities it holds, so it was great to see what ConnectWise and other vendors are doing and what the future holds for service desks. Even better to hear that our approach is leading the way!
Advanced Projects: Quorum’s work on GDAP and ConnectWise Access Management outpaces that of most MSP colleagues.
Interest in ConnectWise Sidekick: The newly introduced ConnectWise Sidekick, featuring Ticket Assist Pod, Microsoft Teams Bot, Auto Triage, and Ticket Sentiment, is met with anticipation.
Confirmation of the Right Path: This was really big for me as Head of Managed Service Operations. You always hope you’re doing the right thing, but to get confirmation that we are procedurally and technically ahead of the curve was heartening.

Reflection

As I wrap up my thoughts on the ConnectWise IT Nations event, it’s not just the insights, tech, and business news that stick in my mind. It’s the vibe, the mingling of faces from all over the globe. Beyond the buzzing Solutions Pavilion and eye-opening breakout sessions, it’s the shared enthusiasm for innovation and excellence that really hits home.

As I dive back into the everyday hustle at Quorum, I carry not just fresh know-how but a revitalised sense of being part of a community and leading a team that is delivering best-in-class solutions to our clients.