Will 2025 be a banner year for managed services providers (MSPs)? Industry experts, including members of the ASCII Group, predict a strong year ahead, driven by the growing demand for specialized IT services in key verticals like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. But it’s not just about adopting the latest technology; it’s about understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within each industry and providing proactive, compliance-focused solutions.
These experts share their candid perspectives on navigating the complexities of AI, cybersecurity, and evolving regulations, offering valuable insights for MSPs looking to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Key Industry Opportunities for MSPs Next Year
“Healthcare will continue to be a major opportunity due to increasingly stricter data privacy regulations, the growth of telehealth, and the ongoing need for top-tier cybersecurity in this high-risk environment,” says Randy Carbone, partner at E3 IT Services.
Christopher Barber, chief nerd at Cheaper than a Geek and Darrin Piotrowski, CEO of Courant, concur, adding financial services as a key vertical MSPs should focus on in 2025, for similar reasons as healthcare. “Escalating cybersecurity threats, stringent data protection regulations like HIPAA and GDPR, and the growing complexity of hybrid cloud environments are compelling businesses to seek managed service expertise,” says Piotrowski. “Additionally, the rise of AI in these sectors requires MSPs to offer tailored solutions,” says Barber.
Healthcare and Financial Services Positioning Advice for MSPs
Barber advises MSPs to invest in vertical-specific expertise and certifications, such as HIPAA and PCI compliance. “Build partnerships with vendors offering industry-focused tools and emphasize your ability to address pain points like security and compliance,” he says. Piotrowski says MSPs should develop specialized vertical expertise and invest in advanced cybersecurity and compliance capabilities. “Create flexible, customized service packages that address industry-specific technological challenges.”
Discover Untapped Opportunities in Manufacturing
Angel Rojas, Jr., president and CEO of Datacorps Technology Solutions, says manufacturing and trades present untapped potential for MSPs. “These businesses are often preparing for succession or scaling, creating opportunities for MSPs to implement operational improvement and continuity programs,” he says. “The push toward operational maturity and scalability is driving demand, as business owners seek to structure their systems and processes to create stability for growth or transition.”
Rojas, Jr. says MSPs that want to grow in this vertical must communicate their value in terms each client understands. “Focus on delivering measurable effects on key performance actions, under promise and overdeliver, and avoid overpromising claims that undermine credibility,” he says.
Top Tech Solutions for MSPs in 2025
Every participant agrees that AI and machine learning will see massive growth in 2025 as businesses seek to optimize processes and improve efficiency. “These solutions address the increasing need for operational efficiency and scalability, while their adaptability ensures they align with evolving business goals,” says Rojas, Jr. Piotrowski adds, “MSPs should proactively develop AI-integrated security offerings, obtain relevant certifications, and build strategic partnerships with cutting-edge technology providers.”
Multiple MSPs said AI training should be a top focus for next year. “Our industry should prioritize training on AI, both for internal use and to educate clients on how to adopt AI effectively in their businesses,” says Carbone. “By leveraging AI for daily operations, we can improve service delivery and drive new project opportunities, boosting our bottom line. At E3, our technicians already have personal AI tools to enhance daily client support.”
Barber adds, “Proactively educate your clients on these technologies’ benefits through workshops and case studies. Focus on providing seamless integrations and ongoing support for these solutions to position yourself as a strategic partner.”
Anticipating Regulatory Changes for MSPs
Most respondents anticipate increased AI regulations next year. “This creates opportunities for MSPs to guide businesses in navigating compliance while leveraging AI to optimize operations,” says Barber. Carbone concurs, adding, “Regulatory expansion is inevitable, but moderation is key. Data security should remain a top priority for MSPs, and improved cybersecurity incident reporting would be a welcome development. Too many incidents are overlooked, hindering progress in security. It’s our responsibility to advocate for and implement robust security measures for our clients, even when budgetary concerns arise.”
Piotrowski says that besides developing robust AI ethics protocols and advanced monitoring capabilities for client AI implementations, additional technology regulations are ahead. “Anticipate expanded data privacy regulations, enhanced cybersecurity standards, and potentially more prescriptive guidelines around AI deployment, which will demand MSPs develop more comprehensive, compliance-focused service models.”
All four respondents are optimistic about the year ahead. “An America-first policy, especially in reshoring domestic production, supply chains and manufacturing, could significantly increase demand for U.S infrastructure and local talent to meet this growth,” says Rojas, Jr. “Companies that adapt to this changing environment may find expansion opportunities and create opportunities for MSPs in the healthcare, manufacturing, and construction industries. In healthcare specifically, decentralization could open doors for personalized, high-availability clinics needing scalable IT solutions.”
From the rise of AI and the increasing importance of cybersecurity to the evolving regulatory environment and the demand for industry-specific solutions, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for MSPs. Those who embrace these trends, invest in training and strategic partnerships, and prioritize client success are poised to lead the way in the next era of managed services.
About The ASCII Group, Inc.
The ASCII Group is the premier community of North American MSPs, MSSPs and Solution Providers. The Group has members throughout the U.S. and Canada, and membership encompasses everyone from credentialed MSPs serving the SMB community to multi-location solution providers with a national and international reach. Founded in 1984, ASCII provides services to members, including leveraged purchasing programs, education and training, marketing assistance, extensive peer interaction and more. ASCII works with a vibrant ecosystem of leading and major technology vendors that complement the ASCII community and support the mission of helping MSPs grow their businesses. For more information, please visit www.ascii.com.
