Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

• Cloud Security Realities MSPs Can’t Ignore

  In this episode of Beyond the Horizon, N-able Head Nerd Joe Ferla sits down with Lewis Pope, Head Security and Compliance Nerd, to unpack the evolving landscape of cloud security for MSPs. As MSPs shift from physical environments to cloud-first operations, Lewis shares hard-earned insights on what it takes to secure cloud workloads, manage identity, and navigate the growing complexity of cloud infrastructure.From practical best practices to the business realities of outsourcing, this episode is a must-listen for MSPs looking to stay competitive, secure, and scalable in a post-COVID world. Lewis doesn’t just talk theory—he dives into the gritty details of what MSPs need to know, do, and avoid when managing cloud environments.Whether you're a one-person shop or scaling toward enterprise-level service delivery, this episode will challenge your assumptions and offer actionable advice to strengthen your cloud security posture.Key TakeawaysCloud Security Is Not Optional: Identity management, breach detection, and posture management are now baseline requirements for MSPs.Outsourcing Is Strategic, Not Shameful: Mature MSPs are outsourcing MDR, cloud infrastructure, and automation to scale efficiently and profitably.Know Your Limits: MSPs must recognise when internal capabilities fall short and seek partnerships or MSSPs to fill the gaps.Best Practices for Cloud Security: Start fresh if needed—don’t be afraid to rebuild cloud environments securely. Apply least privilege principles across users, services, and APIs.Implement layered security: endpoint protection, segmentation, encryption, and WAFs.Practice business continuity and disaster recovery plans regularly.24/7 Monitoring Is Table Stakes: Threats move fast—MSPs must adopt continuous monitoring and automated response tools.Peer Learning Is Power: Engage with peer groups and events like N-able Empower to learn from others who’ve already solved these challenges.AI Is Widening the Gap: The rise of AI-driven security tools means MSPs must evolve quickly or risk falling behind.Regulatory Pressure Is Coming: Data sovereignty and compliance will soon force cloud security conversations—MSPs must lead, not lag.Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

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• Cove Up Your Stack – One Platform to Rule MSP Backup

  In this episode, Head Nerd Stefanie Hammond sits down with N-able Growth Strategist David Tapiero to unpack the real-world challenges MSPs face today—from tool sprawl and outdated backup strategies to rising costs and low margins. You’ll discover how adopting a cloud-first solution like Cove can help MSPs streamline operations, boost profitability, and build cyber resilience.Key Topics Covered:Tool Sprawl & Standardisation: Why too many tools are hurting MSP efficiency—and how Cove simplifies the stack.Outdated Backup Strategies: The risks of legacy systems in today’s threat landscape.Cove’s Unified Platform: Backup for servers, workstations, Microsoft 365—and soon Google Workspace—from a single console.Cyber Resilience by Design: Immutable cloud storage, rapid recovery, and automated testing.Growth Barriers: Tackling time constraints, rising costs, and margin pressure.Practical Growth Strategies:Transitioning to SaaS-based pricing Reviewing customer costing Automating low-value tasks Monetising existing infrastructureMindset Shift: Repurposing on-prem hardware for DRaaS and internal ops.Security Evolution: Moving from breach prevention to rapid recovery and continuity.Whether you're an MSP looking to scale or a Channel Reseller aiming to improve service delivery, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you rethink your growth strategy and future-proof your business.For even more, register for the upcoming webinar:  Rethink Backup or Get Left Behind (live on 10 September with an encore performance on 11 November). Register here Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

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• Unlocking the Real MSP Value in Microsoft 365

  In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the real-world challenges and opportunities facing MSPs working with Microsoft 365 and related Microsoft technologies. N-able Head Nerd Joe Ferla is joined by Ben Lee, the latest to the Head Nerd team who is a seasoned Microsoft consultant with decades of experience in unified communications, Teams, Intune, and Microsoft Co-pilot. During the conversation Joe and Ben discuss the challenges  MSPs and SMEs face when implement Microsoft’s powerful but often complex ecosystem.They tackle everything from the lack of guidance around tool usage, to common pitfalls like “just turning it on” without user education, and how MSPs can differentiate by focusing on enablement, training, and policy standardization. The conversation also explores Microsoft's scalability gaps, third-party tool integration, and the game-changing implications of Co-pilot and AI for productivity.This is a must-listen for MSPs, IT leaders, and tech consultants looking to enhance their Microsoft 365 strategies and drive better client outcomes.Key Topics CoveredThe MSP opportunity: Beyond just licensing and activationMicrosoft 365 productivity confusion (Tasks, Loop, OneNote, etc.)Teams as an underutilized collaboration hubCopilot: Microsoft’s AI gamechanger and its adoption challengesScaling management with Intune, Entra, Azure Arc, and third-party toolsBalancing security with end-user usabilityPersona-based user policy deploymentFuture of M365 Business Premium and data protectionThe importance of adoption strategies and ongoing educationDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

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• Why Your Cloud Sales Pitch Is Failing (And How to Fix It)

  N-able Head Nerd Joe Ferla sits down with Stefanie Hammond, Head Sales & Marketing Nerd, to explore how MSPs can reposition, price, and bundle their services in the cloud era—without leaning on tech jargon. This episode is a sales masterclass for MSPs navigating the shifting SaaS and cybersecurity landscape.In this episode…In the first episode of N-able’s Cloud Podcast Series, Joe Ferla kicks things off by addressing a common challenge MSPs face—not with the tech itself, but with how to sell it. To explore this further, he brings in Stefanie Hammond, N-able's Head Sales and Marketing Nerd, to unpack how MSPs can rethink their sales strategies as cloud adoption and end-user awareness skyrocket.Drawing from insights gathered at recent Empower events and real-world MSP conversations, Joe and Stefanie dive deep into how cloud migration is disrupting traditional pricing and bundling models. Stefanie emphasizes that MSPs should stop selling based on features or products and instead focus on outcomes—namely, productivity and peace of mind through cybersecurity.From bundling strategies and per-user pricing to the evolving buyer psychology in a semi-educated tech market, this episode delivers tactical, experience-driven advice. Joe also underscores the importance of value-based selling, automation, executive business reviews, and adapting sales approaches in a rapidly changing industry.Whether you're a veteran MSP or just beginning your cloud transition, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you differentiate in a crowded market.Key Topics CoveredThe shift in MSP sales strategy from selling tech to selling outcomesWhy cloud adoption is disrupting traditional pricing and packaging modelsThe case for per-user pricing vs. per-device pricingHow increased user awareness is changing the sales conversationOperational efficiency and automation as revenue multipliersImportance of Executive Business Reviews (EBRs) in client retentionRisk acceptance and how to price for cloud-related security gapsWhy value-based selling outperforms product-based sellingStefanie’s book club and continuous sales education for MSPs Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

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• Fear, Firewalls, and Fast Breakouts—Inside Today’s Threat Landscape

  In this episode of Beyond the Horizon, hosts Hilda Colon and Will Ledesma unpack the latest findings from the State of the SOC  report. Drawing on decades of frontline cybersecurity experience, they explore the evolving threat landscape—from the unrelenting rise of ransomware to the growing complexity of cloud-based attacks. The conversation dives deep into the data: 500,000 alerts in just three months, 83,000 escalations, and a staggering 8-minute breakout time for some threats.They also examine the human side of cybersecurity, and how emotional responses, fear-based tactics, and organizational inertia can undermine even the best defenses. The hosts share real-world war stories, including a recent “art of fear” attack that weaponized open-source intelligence to trigger panic without breaching a single system.AI’s role in the SOC is front and center, with insights into how automation is accelerating detection, reducing analyst fatigue, and reshaping the balance between human judgment and machine speed. Whether you're a CISO, analyst, or just cyber-curious, this episode offers a sharp, honest look at what’s changing—and what’s coming next—in the world of security operations.Key Talking PointsKey findings from the 2025 State of the SOC report Ransomware remains dominant, with 2,684 cases in 3 months Cloud attacks now make up 44% of threats—up from 30% last year The rise of “fear-based” attacks using fake screenshots and OSINT AI’s role in accelerating detection and reducing analyst burnout The “Layer 8” problem: human resistance to disruption Hybrid environments and the risks of misaligned identity controls Zero trust: powerful in theory, difficult in practice SOC automation sweet spot: 70% AI, 30% human Real-world story: AI found 3 more IOCs in seconds vs. 60 minutes manually Want the full picture? The insights shared in this episode are just the beginning. Dive deeper into the data, trends, and expert analysis shaping the future of cybersecurity in the full 2025 State of the SOC Report. Whether you're leading a security team or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this report is your essential guide to what’s happening inside today’s Security Operations Centers. Click here to downloadDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

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