Exclusive! ConnectWise’s New Vision Under Aziz Benmalek

In this episode of the What’s Happenin’ technology podcast, Andy Slawetsky spoke with Aziz Benmalek, the newly appointed Chief Business Officer of ConnectWise, a leading provider of software for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service companies.

Here are the key takeaways from their discussion:

Overview of ConnectWise and Its Role: ConnectWise is a significant player in providing software solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, focusing on managed services, cybersecurity, remote management, and business management solutions like PSA (Professional Services Automation) and CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote). The company is deeply entrenched in the MSP space and office equipment industry, providing a comprehensive platform that helps resellers manage IT services effectively.
Aziz Benmalek’s Background: With over 25 years of experience in the tech industry, Benmalek has held leadership roles at major companies like Microsoft, Splunk, and Sage. His extensive background in cloud technology and managed services makes him a strong fit for leading ConnectWise into its next phase of growth. Benmalek emphasized his deep-rooted experience in cloud services, tracing back to the early 2000s when he helped build Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem, including the development of Azure and Office 365.
The Shift to Cloud and Recurring Revenue Models: Benmalek highlighted the critical shift from traditional on-premise IT solutions to cloud-based models. This evolution supports a subscription-based, recurring revenue model that is essential for modern business operations. He stressed that transitioning to managed services and cloud solutions allows office equipment resellers and MSPs to offer valuable, scalable services that cater to small and medium businesses (SMBs) moving away from capital expenditures (CapEx) to operational expenditures (OpEx).
Opportunities for Office Equipment Resellers: Addressing the office equipment resellers, Benmalek pointed out three distinct groups: those already engaged in managed services, those considering it, and those hesitant to enter the space. For those already in managed services, ConnectWise aims to help them scale further and offer more comprehensive services to their customers. For those contemplating managed services, he encouraged them to explore this opportunity as a necessary evolution for business growth and sustainability.
The Future of ConnectWise and Managed Services: Benmalek expressed excitement about ConnectWise’s future, particularly the ongoing development of their Azure platform and the next generation of solutions they are bringing to market. He noted that there are still many untapped opportunities within the managed services space, especially as cybersecurity needs increase.
Engaging with the Channel: Benmalek plans to focus on strengthening relationships with partners and customers by offering more value-added services and expanding the solution set. He stressed the importance of evolving business models and exploring new revenue streams as essential strategies for office equipment resellers.
Upcoming Event: IT Nation Connect: Benmalek also promoted ConnectWise’s flagship event, IT Nation Connect, happening in November. He emphasized the scale and diversity of this conference, which attracts around 5,000 attendees, including many familiar names from the office equipment industry. The event provides a unique opportunity for resellers to explore new technologies, meet potential partners, and learn about the latest in managed services. (Click here for registration info!)