Data loss can have severe consequences for businesses, ranging from financial losses to reputational damage. Around the world, a data breach cost $4.88 million on average in 2024. As a result, MSPs must prioritize data protection to ensure business continuity for their clients.
Recognizing the critical role of backup as the final line of defense in cybersecurity, we are committed to equipping MSPs with robust solutions that enhance their ability to safeguard valuable data. In pursuit of this objective, we’re proud to announce that ConnectWise has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Axcient and closed the acquisition of SkyKick, pioneers in data protection, business continuity, and cloud backup software.
Why Axcient
Axcient’s mission to cure data loss is a crucial imperative for MSPs, as it directly impacts the resilience, reputation, and success of their businesses.
With Axcient, MSPs can:
- restore access to systems and data rapidly
- keep data secure
- grow faster and more profitably
We’ve had a long and productive partnership with Axcient over the years built on shared values and a commitment to the MSP industry. In fact, more than half of MSPs that use Axcient also use ConnectWise and take advantage of the existing integrations between both solutions.
With this acquisition we aim to preserve the strengths of the business while leveraging the resources ConnectWise can provide to further scale product innovation, deepen integrations and invest in support.
“We recognize that many MSPs have had deeply painful experiences in the past after a key vendor gets acquired. Together, we want to make Axcient stronger and even better, not break what you love!” Rod Mathews, CEO, Axcient
Read Axcient’s open letter to MSPs for more information about our mutual commitment to you.
See Axcient x360Recover and x360Cloud in action.
Why SkyKick
As more businesses migrate their applications to the cloud, ensuring data security and availability continues to be a necessity. The cloud offers numerous benefits, including scalability, cost-efficiency, and accessibility. However, it also introduces new vulnerabilities and risks.
With SkyKick's Cloud Backup solution for Microsoft 365, MSPs can effectively safeguard their clients' data, ensuring its security, recoverability, and protection against cyber threats. Here are just two examples of the benefits SkyKick brings to the ConnectWise portfolio:
- Microsoft Office 365 Data Protection purpose-built for MSPs
SkyKick offers the most comprehensive Microsoft 365 cloud backup solution, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, Office 365 Groups and Microsoft Teams.
- Global support and resources
SkyKick has a strong international presence—particularly in EMEA and ANZ—with headquarters in Seattle, WA, and offices in Amsterdam and Sydney.
"SkyKick’s vision has always been to empower MSPs to protect their customers' cloud data effortlessly," said Todd Schwartz, Co-CEO of SkyKick. "As part of ConnectWise, we look forward to accelerating innovation for our cloud backup and security products.”
What to expect in the coming months
As with any acquisition, an adjustment and integration period naturally follows. Our primary goal during this phase is to foster a collaborative environment where we leverage the strengths of all three organizations. Throughout this process, here’s what you can expect:
- Focus on customer experience: We remain steadfast in prioritizing the customer experience above all else. Preserving the partner-centric culture of both businesses is paramount.
- Emphasis on minimal disruptions: We understand the importance of maintaining continuity and minimizing disruptions, and we are committed to transparent communication and support throughout the transition.
- Commitment to continued innovation: By combining our strengths and expertise, we aim to enhance our offerings beyond what each company could accomplish alone. Check out our monthly product innovation webinar series where we will continue to share new innovations that have either recently been released or are on the horizon.
- Dedication to exceptional support: With the combination of all three companies, we have 24/7 support coverage, and we’re committed to ensuring all partners have prompt and competent help, especially when your client is experiencing downtime.
Building an MSP Platform: ConnectWise Asio
We are on a mission to provide MSPs with unmatched software, services, and community to help them achieve their most ambitious vision of success, and these acquisitions are a step in the right direction toward that goal.
There are four critical pillars of an MSP tech stack:
- Professional Services Automation (PSA)
With ConnectWise PSA, MSPs can streamline workflows, improve communication, and enhance overall productivity.
- Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM)
RMM software, like ConnectWise RMM and ConnectWise Automate, allows MSPs to remotely monitor and manage their clients' IT infrastructure, providing real-time visibility into network devices, servers, workstations, and other endpoints, often serving as the first line of cybersecurity defense.
- Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) and Data Protection
With Axcient and SkyKick’s BCDR and Cloud Backup solution, we are strengthening our cybersecurity and data protection offerings, ensuring MSPs can safeguard their clients’ most critical assets and deliver more value.
Ultimately, the goal is to seamlessly incorporate all these solutions into ConnectWise Asio to leverage the benefits of a purpose-built platform beyond just integrations. The unified Asio platform aims to be the industry’s most comprehensive solution for MSPs, incorporating RMM, PSA, cybersecurity, BCDR, and Cloud backup. A true MSP platform as a service (PaaS) is built with common services, including ticketing and companies, and centralized data to supercharge hyperautomation with generative AI and RPA.
Closing thoughts
We acknowledge that changes like this can be challenging, however we firmly believe these strategic investments will bring about positive outcomes for the industry and our partners while accelerating cybersecurity and data protection innovation at ConnectWise.
