ConnectWise has announced its commitment to supporting partners in achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 compliance requirements. With a deep understanding of the industry's evolving needs, ConnectWise is dedicated to empowering its partners and helping them navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity.

As technology and regulatory changes continue to shape the landscape, ConnectWise recognizes the importance of staying ahead and assisting MSPs in navigating these challenges. The CMMC framework, initially introduced in the federal government, is expected to extend to state/local government and the commercial space. ConnectWise understands the impact of CMMC on MSPs serving the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and acknowledges the preference for adopting solutions that meet CMMC requirements rather than managing separate solutions.

To ensure the success of its partners and the larger IT Nation community, ConnectWise will adopt a staged adherence strategy through:

• ConnectWise to achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance: By 2025, ConnectWise aims to achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance. The initial launch will take place in an isolated hosting environment, separate from existing environments. ConnectWise will apply the necessary training and controls to meet the requirements. This will also enable the company to better guide partners through the compliance process.
• ConnectWise's CMMC Portfolio will be hosted and available: With the hosted solution across the company’s solutions, MSPs can easily access and leverage our products that are CMMC compliant, empowering them to navigate the complexities of CMMC Level 2 with confidence. The company aims to support partners in safeguarding their clients' data and building a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem together.

"We understand the critical importance of cybersecurity in today's rapidly evolving landscape and we are fully committed to supporting our partners in meeting the rigorous compliance requirements of CMMC Level 2," said Patrick Beggs, CISO, ConnectWise. "By providing comprehensive solutions and guidance, we aim to empower MSPs to navigate these challenges with confidence and ensure the security of their clients' data. Together, we can build a stronger and more resilient cybersecurity ecosystem."

Partners considering a move to the unique hosting environment designed to support CMMC requirements should anticipate potential impacts if not leveraging a company like ConnectWise. These may include data migration, configuration and setup changes, functionality adjustments, additional security considerations, license costs and integration availability.

ConnectWise remains dedicated to supporting its partners through this transition and will provide ongoing updates as the CMMC requirements become publicly available. The company's commitment to its partners' success drives its efforts to deliver compliant solutions and empower MSPs to thrive in an ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

In other news, IT Nation has announced its collaboration with The Channel Program for the highly anticipated third annual Battle Royale — Channel Edition, taking place Aug. 19-21. The event will showcase the esteemed PitchIT class of 2024, marking a pivotal milestone on the road to the finals at IT Nation Connect in Orlando, Florida, this November.

"IT Nation and The Channel Program's Battle Royale is the ultimate catalyst for MSP innovation," said Andrew Hoyen, CEO, Nodeware, and a 2023 contestant from the PitchIT program. "It's an exhilarating accelerator that propels the next generation of solutions poised to transform our industry."

"We are thrilled to partner with IT Nation's PitchIT for this year's Battle Royale," said Matt Solomon, co-founder and CBDO, The Channel Program. "By uniting emerging vendors with the vibrant MSP community, we are creating an environment where groundbreaking ideas can be shared, refined and elevated."

Community Go-Givers: The Heart of PitchIT

At the core of the PitchIT program lies the spirit of community go-givers — individuals who selflessly invest their time, talent and resources to nurture emerging innovations. These community leaders serve as mentors to startups, offering invaluable insights and often becoming early adopters of promising solutions. Their unwavering dedication exemplifies the ethos of IT Nation, where mutual support and collective growth are paramount.

"The Channel Program's Battle Royale and the broader PitchIT initiative embody our 'Wise Together, Rise Together' ethos," said Sean Lardo, evangelist, IT Nation. "This is an exciting time for us as, ultimately, this competition was created to find the best of the best. Everyone will find out exactly who the top three are in the next few weeks."  

The Battle Royale: Showcasing Collaborative Innovation

The Battle Royale serves as a platform to showcase the collaborative efforts between emerging software companies and the MSP community. Shaped by MSP input, these companies present tailored solutions that address real challenges faced by MSPs, bridge skills gaps and enhance cybersecurity.