Improving Partner/Vendor Relations — The Deeper Value of the MSP 501

Applications for the 2020 MSP 501 list are in full swing, with managed service providers (MSPs) around the world throwing their hats into the ring to compete for a spot on the IT channel’s most comprehensive ranking list of global MSPs. 

The 501 companies on the annual list from Channel Futures represent the best and brightest that the channel has to offer. They’re willing to take risks, agile enough to respond to business challenges and laser-focused on customer success.

We could tout the benefits of applying for and being on this prestigious list until we’re blue in the face, and trust us, we have, but why take our word for it?

We decided to have a few cool channel cats do it for us. We beamed out the bat signal to folks that are included in the 2020 MSP 501 survey, past 501ers, and a few analysts and consultants to comment on how ranking on a list such as the 501 is an asset, and can improve partner/vendor relations. 

This list, we believe, goes beyond rankings. We ultimately want the 501 community to contribute to the success of all of our organizations and the industry as a whole. These testimonials speak to the deeper value of being a 501er.

“Landing on the MSP 501 list brings an instant lift to an MSP’s credibility and overall expertise in the eyes of their customers, peers, partners, providers and prospects. It also works to differentiate their brand and shines a spotlight on the company’s thought leadership and specialization.”

— Eric Kohl, U.S. vice president of security and data center software, Ingram Micro

“MSPs have always been, and will continue to be, vital to the success of the indirect channel and the technology industry as a whole. A large subset of TBI’s partner community is made up of MSPs who we consider essential to our business; they are key to our partner programs to meet customer demand and fuel future growth. Now more than ever, it is important to differentiate yourself in a constantly evolving and increasingly competitive marketplace, and the MSP 501, being one of the largest, most comprehensive rankings in the industry, gives MSPs from around the globe a way to shine and be recognized for their contribution and growth.”

— Bryan Reynolds, director, sales operations, TBI 

“I have the opportunity to talk to thousands of vendors in the technology channel. As we review their routes to market and partner programs, the conversation invariably gets to managed services and MSPs. I am able to recommend the MSP 501 list almost every day as a validated list of those organizations who lead the managed services industry from a revenue, capabilities, capacity,  and customer satisfaction perspective.”

— Jay McBain, principal analyst of channels, partnerships, & alliances, Forrester Research

“I have been in business over 25 years in a small community. Reputation is very important, and awards, publishing a book, or speaking at seminars helps establish you as the expert.  Winning the MSP 501 in 2019 gave a huge surge of credibility as we meet with existing clients, new prospects, and talk to vendors. Clients are impressed and reassured that they are …