Inside IT Nation Secure 2025: What you need to know about AI, security, and community

Partner Audience: #AllPartners
Relevant to: #Event #GrowYourBiz #ModernWork #BizApps #Security #CrossSolution #MSPartner #ConnectWise #ITNationSecure #Microsoft365 #BusinessPremium #AI #Automation #MSPCommunity

IT Nation Secure 2025 brought together more than 1,000 Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in Orlando, Florida, for an immersive experience focused on the future of cybersecurity, automation, and AI. Hosted by ConnectWise—a leading provider of IT management and automation software for MSPs—this event has grown into a must-attend summit for the modern partner ecosystem.

As a proud sponsor and partner, Microsoft joined forces with ConnectWise to help MSPs better understand how to lead confidently in an evolving threat landscape and opportunity-rich AI market. If you couldn’t make it—or if you’re looking to amplify your key takeaways—here’s a breakdown of the three themes that stood out and how Microsoft partners can turn insights into action.

Check out the full event recap in this exclusive episode of the No Slides Attached podcast:

1️⃣ AI and automation—the new growth engine for MSPs

AI is becoming a core enabler of growth across the MSP ecosystem. The demand for AI-managed services is expected to rise significantly in 2025, particularly in areas like AI agent creation, data security consulting, and business process transformation.

Many MSPs are already starting to layer automation into their services using tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, alongside ConnectWise platforms for ticketing, monitoring, and service delivery. As partners move from concept to implementation, the key to success is simplification—consolidating fragmented toolsets and reducing manual work.

As one MSP leader emphasized during the event, staying ahead in AI is no longer optional:

“AI is everywhere. You need to be talking to clients about AI … If you’re not really investing in learning and keeping up, you’re falling behind.” —Anne Westerheim, Founder, Ekaru

MSPs that invest early in intelligent automation are gaining efficiency, improving client outcomes, and freeing up time to focus on higher-value strategy.

2️⃣ Microsoft-powered security—the foundation for scalable protection

Security was front and center at IT Nation Secure—and for good reason. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, MSPs are rethinking how they deliver protection and value to clients. Microsoft’s solutions—including Business Premium, Microsoft Defender, and Microsoft 365 E5—are quickly becoming foundational in MSP security strategies.

But tools alone aren’t enough. The integration between Microsoft and ConnectWise is what turns products into real-world impact. MSPs are leaning into solutions like ConnectWise MDR, new SIEM integrations, and unified consoles that simplify service delivery and improve threat response.

“The Microsoft solution set allows [MSPs] to more securely manage their partners … Defender XDR, Sentinel—connecting all the dots.” —Jerome Smith, Vice President, ConnectWise

More and more partners are building their offerings not just around license resell—but around usage optimization, outcome-driven protection, and full-stack alignment with Microsoft’s security ecosystem.

3️⃣ Community and ecosystem—the secret to sustainable growth

The strongest signal from IT Nation Secure wasn’t just in the content—it was in the collaboration. Across sessions, hallways, and networking events, the MSP community showed up to support and accelerate one another. This peer-powered approach is driving faster learning, smarter decision-making, and more innovative service models.

ConnectWise’s peer groups—like IT Nation Evolve—as well as broader communities such as ASCII, are becoming critical growth engines. MSPs are sharing what’s working, solving problems together, and even co-marketing their services. In a fast-moving environment, these communities aren’t just a support system—they’re a strategic advantage. As we heard at IT Nation Secure:

“ASCII is all about connection, collaboration, and fostering growth for the MSP… people do not have to do it alone.” —Jesse Devine, Vice President ASCII

For Microsoft partners, tapping into these groups offers insight into best practices, new go-to-market strategies, and the chance to grow alongside like-minded peers.

From insight to action—a three-step playbook for MSPs

If you’re looking to apply what came out of IT Nation Secure 2025, here’s a practical playbook to help you get started:

🔍 Evaluate your automation potential
Assess where AI agents and automation can simplify your internal operations and improve service delivery.

🛡️ Strengthen your security stack
Leverage Microsoft and ConnectWise integrations to provide end-to-end, secure-by-default protection for clients.

🤝 Engage with the ecosystem
Join a peer group like ASCII or IT Nation Evolve, and stay connected with other Microsoft partners to share ideas and accelerate learning.

Growth happens together

IT Nation Secure 2025 proved that MSPs don’t have to face transformation alone. With the right tools, the right integrations, and a strong partner community, the path forward is clear.

AI and automation are creating unprecedented opportunities. Security is no longer optional—it’s foundational. And the ecosystem? That’s where the real momentum is built.

The MSPs who act on these insights now will be the ones leading the industry tomorrow.