Valueprops

The episode delivers a solid set of practical MSP evaluation criteria and identifies real shifts in buyer expectations (security-by-default, compliance-driven, 24/7 global support, AI-assisted operations). However, substantive density is diluted by repetition of core ideas across multiple segments and significant throat-clearing ('you know,' 'if you will,' filler phrases). The seven-question framework provides structure but each question receives minimal elaboration or nuance beyond surface-level explanation.

“The biggest shock is the MSP you needed in 2016 can't protect you in 2026”

“Security cannot be a bullet point anymore... security is not an add of services It is a foundational part of any MSP offering today”

The framing of MSP evaluation through a 2016 vs. 2026 lens is useful but not novel - the shift from reactive break-fix to proactive, security-first, compliance-aware IT support is already mainstream industry conversation in 2024-2026. The seven questions (identity governance, backup testing, ransomware protocol, documentation, business impact, escalation, compliance) are reasonable checklists but represent best-practice hygiene, not contrarian or first-principles thinking. No fresh frameworks or unexpected arguments emerge.

“The traditional MSP models back were very, I would say, very reactive. You can open a ticket, they respond”

“Security has to be baked into the way your MSP manage the environment on your behalf”

Walid, CEO of Cloud PSO, is an active MSP operator with apparent depth in security, compliance, and IT operations at scale. He speaks from practitioner experience rather than theory and references real client scenarios (ransomware, backup failures, global support needs, compliance audits). However, the episode provides minimal bio or evidence of scale - no company size, revenue, client base, or named case studies to fully establish operational credibility. The relevance is clear but depth could be deeper.

“Walid is here with me CEO of Cloud PSO working with companies that are really heavily on technology and can't afford downtown or security blind spots”

“So we see companies who say they're safe. Then ⁓ during ⁓ a ransomware, ransomware scare, they realized that the backups are not working or incompatible or restore takes days”

The episode lacks specific data, metrics, timelines, and named examples to anchor claims. References to ransomware incidents and backup failures are anecdotal ('we see companies') rather than quantified. One vendor mention (Zio Test for identity governance) is included but without context. No dollar figures, failure rates, response time benchmarks, or survey data provided. The seven-question framework is concrete but questions themselves are generic - 'how do you handle X' without follow-up on what good looks like numerically or chronologically.

“we see companies who say they're safe. Then ⁓ during ⁓ a ransomware, ransomware scare, they realized that the backups are not working or incompatible or restore takes days”

“we are partnered with Zio Test that handles all that for our customer”

The host asks competent, structured questions that progress logically through MSP evaluation criteria and surface the seven-question checklist. However, follow-ups are infrequent and rarely push back or challenge claims. When Walid asserts 'AI won't replace MSPs,' the host accepts this without probing for concrete examples or trade-offs. Questions tend to confirm rather than interrogate - 'So if your MSP treats security as a separate upscale, that's a red flag' (host) is leading, not exploratory. Walid is rarely pressed on contradictions or asked to defend positions with specificity.

“So let's start with the old world, know. ⁓ What was the traditional MSP models most people are, you know, still familiar with?”

“So a modern buyer should expect MSP to be using AI but not handling everything over it”