ConnectWise makes double acquisition to expand portfolio

The MSP industry continues to spark consolidation with it occurring at the tools and systems provider level with ConnectWise splashing out on a couple of acquisitions.

The firm has moved for Continuum and ITBoost and struck a strategic partnership with Webinfinity to make sure it has more depth to the number of services it can offer MSPs.

Continuum will add security and a SOC, ITBoost automated IT documentation and Webinfinity will help with partner relationship management on top of ConnectWise’s RMM and PSA offering.

“Over the last 15 years ConnectWise has become the leading provider of technology solutions and services to MSPs. Now, by executing on these deals, we will be able to expand our scope and capabilities to assist the broader community of technology solution providers in all facets of their business,” said Jason Magee, CEO, ConnectWise.

“This is a revolutionary play, making ConnectWise the epicentre for everything from business management and documentation to service delivery and operations management, while also making it much easier and more efficient for partners to work with the technology suppliers they have in their stacks,” he added.

Michael George, CEO of Continuum, said that the tie-up with ConnectWise would give more options for those trying to help customers with digital transformation.

“Our two organisations complement each other perfectly, and the journey Continuum has been on for the past eight years—including our acquisitions of R1Soft, CARVIR and BrightGauge—have led to this transformational merger. The future opportunities for MSPs are extraordinary, and this combined platform empowers them to capture and capitalise on it,” he said.

Ali Peracha, co-founder of ITBoost, added that it had already carved out a reputation as providing the documentation tools that MSPs needed and coming under the ConnectWise wing would give it a chance to provide that to more partners.

John Pagliuca, EVP, SolarWindsMSP, provided some industry response making it clear that there had to be tangible benefits behind industry consolidation.

“The MSP industry continues to see waves of consolidation both at the vendor and practitioner level and today’s announcement doesn’t come with a lot of surprise. It’s a thriving industry and that’s why PE firms continue to invest. That’s good for the industry and it’s good for us. But you have to keep your eye on the ball and remember who the ultimate beneficiary should be – and that’s the MSP,” he said.

The other main announcement coming out of IT Nation Connect, the firm’s partner event, was the launch by ConnectWise of the Fight Back Security initiative that encourages the industry to share information and to improve their own activities.