IT Nation Secure 2025: Key Insights on AI, Security, and Community Growth for MSPs

IT Nation Secure 2025, held in Orlando, Florida, convened over 1,200 cybersecurity professionals, including more than 600 Managed Service Providers (MSPs), to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and community collaboration. (connectwise.com) Hosted by ConnectWise, a leader in IT management and automation software, the event underscored the critical role of AI and automation in driving MSP growth, the importance of robust security frameworks, and the power of community engagement.

AI and Automation: Catalysts for MSP Growth​

AI has transitioned from a futuristic concept to a present-day necessity within the MSP ecosystem. The demand for AI-managed services is projected to rise significantly in 2025, particularly in areas such as AI agent creation, data security consulting, and business process transformation. MSPs are increasingly integrating automation tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and ConnectWise platforms to streamline operations, reduce manual tasks, and enhance service delivery.
Anne Westerheim, Founder of Ekaru, emphasized the urgency of AI adoption:

"AI is everywhere. You need to be talking to clients about AI … If you’re not really investing in learning and keeping up, you’re falling behind."

Early investment in intelligent automation enables MSPs to improve efficiency, deliver superior client outcomes, and allocate more time to strategic initiatives.

Microsoft-Powered Security: Building Scalable Protection​

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, MSPs are reevaluating their security strategies. Microsoft's solutions, including Business Premium, Microsoft Defender, and Microsoft 365 E5, are becoming integral to MSP security frameworks. The collaboration between Microsoft and ConnectWise enhances these tools' effectiveness, offering integrated solutions like ConnectWise MDR, next-generation SIEM integrations, and unified consoles that simplify service delivery and improve threat response.
Jerome Smith, Vice President at ConnectWise, highlighted the synergy:

"The Microsoft solution set allows [MSPs] to more securely manage their partners … Defender XDR, Sentinel—connecting all the dots."

MSPs are shifting from merely reselling licenses to focusing on usage optimization, outcome-driven protection, and full-stack alignment with Microsoft's security ecosystem.

Community and Ecosystem: The Secret to Sustainable Growth​

A standout theme at IT Nation Secure 2025 was the emphasis on community collaboration. MSPs are leveraging peer groups like IT Nation Evolve and broader communities such as ASCII to share best practices, solve challenges collectively, and co-market services. This peer-powered approach accelerates learning, fosters innovation, and drives business growth.
Jesse Devine, Vice President at ASCII, noted:

"ASCII is all about connection, collaboration, and fostering growth for the MSP… people do not have to do it alone."

Engaging with these communities provides MSPs with insights into best practices, new go-to-market strategies, and opportunities to grow alongside like-minded peers.

Key Announcements and Innovations​

ConnectWise unveiled several significant advancements at the conference:

• PSA Powered by Asio and ConnectWise Pro Bundle: A modernized Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform built on the Asio platform, offering real-time operational dashboards, a unified interface across PSA and Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools, and AI-powered automation through ConnectWise Sidekick. The ConnectWise Pro bundle consolidates PSA, RMM, CPQ, remote support, documentation, and automation into a flexible contract. (crn.com)
• Next-Generation SIEM: A reimagined Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platform providing centralized log monitoring, AI-driven threat detection, streamlined alert triage, and automated reporting with customizable dashboards. (crn.com)
• Integrated Cybersecurity and Endpoint Management Solution: In partnership with Microsoft and Pax8, ConnectWise launched a solution combining Microsoft 365 Business Premium, ConnectWise RMM Pro, Managed Detection and Response (MDR) for Microsoft Defender, and unified backup and security dashboards. This offering simplifies endpoint management and enhances security for SMB clients. (globenewswire.com)

Practical Steps for MSPs​

To capitalize on the insights from IT Nation Secure 2025, MSPs can take the following actions:

• Evaluate Automation Potential: Assess areas where AI agents and automation can simplify internal operations and improve service delivery.
• Strengthen Security Stack: Leverage Microsoft and ConnectWise integrations to provide comprehensive, secure-by-default protection for clients.
• Engage with the Ecosystem: Join peer groups like ASCII or IT Nation Evolve to share ideas, accelerate learning, and collaborate on innovative service models.

IT Nation Secure 2025 demonstrated that MSPs don't have to navigate transformation alone. With the right tools, integrations, and a strong partner community, the path forward is clear. AI and automation are creating unprecedented opportunities, security is foundational, and the ecosystem is where real momentum builds. MSPs who act on these insights now will be the industry leaders of tomorrow.

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Source: Microsoft Inside IT Nation Secure 2025: What you need to know about AI, security, and community | Microsoft