Whether you’re an IT managed service provider (MSP) or managed security service provider (MSSP) who is just getting started in the industry, or someone who has been in business for decades, choosing the right software tools is critical to success. The tech industry moves quickly; here are the MSP software tools to know in 2024.
The average number of software tools used by an MSP can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the MSP, the range of services they offer, and their specific business model. Industry estimates show most MSPs have 8-10 or more tools in their stack to manage various aspects of their operations, including remote monitoring and management (RMM), professional services automation (PSA), security, backup and disaster recovery, and customer relationship management (CRM), among others.
In 2024, the number of software tools to choose from, not to mention the ever-emerging new product categories and entrants to the channel market, can be overwhelming. In this Ultimate Guide to MSP Software, we’ll break down the different types of software categories, what to consider when looking for a tool and a vendor partner, and how to ensure you have the right tools in place to run your own business efficiently and profitably, as well as monitor, manage, and secure your customers.
Where MSPs Fit In The IT Channel
The IT channel is the ecosystem of businesses and organizations involved in the distribution, sale, and support of information technology products and services. This ecosystem includes manufacturers, distributors, resellers, value-added resellers (VARs), MSPs, MSSPs, system integrators, consultants, and others that act as a conduit between technology vendors and end users. For vendors, the channel enables them to reach a broader market and extend their sales and service capabilities, particularly to small and medium businesses (SMBs). For SMB customers, MSPs can offer them access to a wide array of technology solutions and expertise to meet their specific needs and business objectives. Significantly, industry analyst firm Canalys projects the channel software market to reach $8.9 billion by 2027.
Types Of Software MSPs Use In 2024
As the name suggests, “MSP Software” is any software that MSPs use to run their own businesses or to monitor, manage, secure, and back up their clients’ data and IT environments.
Tools MSPs Use to Monitor, Manage, and Secure Clients
MSPs partner with channel software vendors to resell tools as part of their “stack.” These tools are typically bundled with services for a set monthly price, generating monthly recurring revenue (MRR).
Core Software Tools
- Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) Software: Allows MSPs to monitor clients’ systems and perform maintenance remotely.
- Anti-virus Software: Blocks, detects, and removes viruses and malware.
- Email Security Software: Protects sensitive information and communications via email.
- Cloud Backup Software: Saves data to external cloud-based storage.
- Endpoint Backup Software: Ensures data is saved on a secondary hard drive.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Software: Uses automation and real-time analytics to protect endpoint devices and users.
- Security Awareness Training Software: Educates users about common threats and best security practices.
Advanced Security Tools
- Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Software: Uses detection and rapid incident response technology.
- Extended Detection and Response (XDR) Software: Utilizes AI and automation to protect against cyberattacks.
- Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) Software: Manages and automates the recovery of backed-up data.
- Password Management Software: Manages passwords with a single master password.
- Vulnerability Scanning Software: Scans for system vulnerabilities.
- SaaS Monitoring and Security: Cloud-based monitoring and security software.
- Dark Web Scanning Software: Detects leaked business or personal information on the dark web.
- Security Operations Center (SOC): Centralized cybersecurity unit to monitor and prevent threats.
- Penetration Testing: Simulated cyberattacks to identify and resolve vulnerabilities.
- Cloud Services: Services available without downloading additional software.
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Software: Manages policies, risk, and compliance.
Tools MSPs Use to Run Their Business
For running their own business operations, MSPs will typically use:
Business Management Software
- Professional Services Automation (PSA) Software: Simplifies and streamlines project management.
- Documentation Software: Organizes and stores files for easy access and collaboration.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: Manages information relevant to customers and prospects.
- Project Management Software: Assists with planning, organizing resources, documentation, and deadlines.
- Service Desk Software: Provides a single point of contact for technical support and simplifies ticketing.
- Quoting and Proposal Software: Automates proposal and quote creation, minimizing errors.
- Billing and Invoicing Software: Automates bookkeeping and billing processes.
- Customer Satisfaction Software: Collects feedback and suggests ways to improve satisfaction.
Top Software Vendors
Here are some top products for the most common types of MSP software in 2024.
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Software
Anti-Virus Software
Email Security Software
- Avanan
- Coro Cybersecurity
- Graphus
- SpamTitan Email Security
- Mimecast
- Proofpoint
- FortiMail
- Barracuda Email Security
Cloud Backup Software
Endpoint Backup Software
- IDrive
- Huntress
- Acronis Cyber Protect
- Carbonite Recover
- Commvault
- Dell Avamar Data Protection Software
- Veeam Endpoint Backup
- Druva inSync Enterprise Endpoint Data Backup
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Software
Security Awareness Training Software
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Software
Extended Detection and Response (XDR) Software
- CrowdStrike Falcon
- Microsoft 365 Defender
- SentinelOne Singularity XDR
- Cybereason
- Mandiant Advantage
- Sophos Intercept X
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) Software
- Datto BCDR
- Kaseya Unitrends
- ConnectWise BCDR
- Archer Business Resilience
- Agility Recovery Planner
- CL360 Business Continuity
- Fusion Framework System
Password Management Software
Vulnerability Scanning Software
- Tenable
- Invicti
- StackHawk
- Nmap
- ConnectSecure
- ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus
- Wiz
- Galactic Advisors
Dark Web Scanning Software
- Flashpoint Ignite
- DarkOwl Vision
- CrowdStrike Falcon
- SpyCloud ATO Prevention
- ReliaQuest
- DigitalStakeout
SaaS Monitoring and Security Software
Security Operations Center (SOC) Software
- SolarWinds Security Event Manager
- Heimdal Threat Hunting Platform
- ManageEngine Log360
- LogRhythm
- Rapid7 Insight Platform
Penetration Testing Software
Cloud Services Software
- Microsoft Azure
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Salesforce
- VMware Solutions
- Alibaba Cloud
- Oracle
- Rackspace Technology
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Software
Professional Services Automation (PSA) Software
- Kaseya BMS
- ConnectWise PSA
- N-able MSP Manager
- Datto Autotask
- HaloPSA
- Syncro
- Scoro
- ClickTime
- Polaris
- SuperOps
- Kantata
- Workday
Documentation Software
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
Project Management Software
Service Desk Software
- Zendesk
- Help Scout
- Jira Service Management
- Vision Helpdesk
- Salesforce Service Cloud
- Hiver
- Freshworks Freshservice
Quoting and Proposal Software
Billing and Invoicing Software
Customer Satisfaction Software
Selecting 2024 Software And Vendors
Choosing the right software for your stack, or adding a new solution to your stack, requires carefully vetting the software for price, features, ability to integrate with the other offerings in your portfolio, ease of use, and more.
In addition, the vendors you choose to partner with should have a great customer service team that is professional, knowledgeable, and easily accessible.
Following this 2024 MSP software guide will give you a head start to finding the perfect software for your stack. With a bit of research, you’ll find the best options to offer your clients.
