Techaisle Blog

Security matters to SMBs and midmarket firms - a LOT. Technology is essential to productivity, growth, and profitability – but it exposes SMBs to potentially devastating security breaches. But cybersecurity is a daunting challenge. Technology is so complex, and the threat sources are so menacing that many SMBs practice “security through obscurity:” They hope that attacks will be pointed at larger targets and that they can find safety by keeping a low profile.

The world of cybersecurity is a constantly evolving battleground. Gone are the days of lone hackers targeting specific networks. Today, criminal organizations cast wide nets, hoping to exploit vulnerabilities in increasingly connected devices, from printers to smart TVs. Unfortunately, there are enough hackers, scammers, and cybercriminals to go around – and every conscientious SMB needs to address security threats as they take action to safeguard their businesses against other threats (loss of customer trust, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, loss of financial solvency) to their businesses.  

This complex landscape demands a security strategy that goes beyond just protecting networks. As digital technologies continue to advance, businesses of all sizes, especially small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), face a constant threat of cyber-attacks.

Xerox understands this vulnerability and offers a comprehensive, personalized approach to workplace security that goes beyond a one-size-fits-all solution. This commitment to risk management stems from Xerox's long history in highly regulated industries. Its secure printing solutions, developed for environments like Navy ships, translate into robust security features for businesses of all sizes.

Key findings from Techaisle’s SMB and Midmarket AI Adoption Trends Research of 2100 businesses paint a promising future where AI is set to revolutionize traditional channel business models. This technological advancement offers a multitude of benefits, reshaping business operations, transforming IT economics, and enhancing service delivery capabilities. AI's reach extends beyond technical managers, presenting a vast array of opportunities for channel partners to explore and cater to a broader buying group.

SMB and Midmarket AI spending plans indicate that high expectations for business impact will indeed map to significant increases in solution spending. Over 40% of upper midmarket firms, nearly 40% of core midmarket firms, and almost 30% of small businesses expect AI-related IT spending to increase by more than 25% in 2024. The mean increase across these segments ranges from 22% to 28%. This potential increase in solution spending should motivate channel partners to seize the AI opportunity and drive their businesses forward.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been a leader in cloud computing since 2006. Its success depends on a strong network of channel partners. These partners are brought together through the AWS Partner Network (APN), which fosters collaboration and enables the creation of solutions and services for customers. The APN has expanded over time to include various programs. It's worth noting that the APN has over 130,000 partners from 150 countries, with nearly 70% headquartered outside the US. Although large enterprises have greatly benefited from these programs, AWS has recognized small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) play a significant role in the global economy. As a result, AWS has recently introduced the SMB Competency Program, a strategic initiative designed to empower partners serving SMB customers. After extensive discussions with partners and an in-depth understanding of SMB requirements, AWS unveiled its robust program in January 2024.

AWS SMB Competency Partners provide solutions and services tailored to SMBs' requirements. This covers platform solutions such as migration and modernization, security, data storage, disaster recovery, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and SaaS solutions, including accounting, resource management, customer service, and relationship management. AWS SMB Competency Partners serve as a single source for SMBs who want to use the AWS cloud to solve their specific business problems.

The inaugural iteration of the program comprises 30 partners, spanning services and software with expertise in managed services, security, AI, modernization, migration, disaster recovery, and cloud business applications. These categories have been thoughtfully chosen to align with SMB priorities.

I have personally spoken with each of these 30 partners, and they unanimously endorse and express enthusiasm for the AWS SMB Competency program.

According to Techaisle’s 2024 research data on SMB and Midmarket priorities and challenges, 55% of customers view partner competencies as “absolutely essential” when assessing partner capabilities. In contrast, 36% of customers prioritize certifications in their evaluation. This emphasizes competencies' critical role in demonstrating a partner’s expertise and ability to meet customer needs.

Focused on growth and committed to new solutions that expand business horizons – the SMB market is on the brink of a multi-year growth trajectory.

Focused on growth and committed to new solutions that expand business horizons – the SMB market is on the brink of a multi-year growth trajectory.

They are here - Techaisle's annual SMB, Core Midmarket and Upper Midmarket Top 10 IT Priorities, IT Challenges, and Business Issues infographics, 13th year of Techaisle tracking at a WW level, and is sought after by IT vendors, channel partners, and media. Techaisle surveyed nearly 5000 SMBs and Midmarket firms, quota sampled to ensure adequate coverage of four small businesses (1-9, 10-19, 20-49, and 50-99 employees), three core midmarket (100-249, 250-499, and 500-999 employees) and two upper midmarket (1000-2499, 2500-4999) segments. As a result, the data represents a robust and reliable sampling of the market segment for IT products and services.

Techaisle surveys thousands of small and midsized businesses (SMBs) to understand technology imperatives and directions. The annual survey establishes context by asking respondents to identify their top business goals, technology priorities, and IT challenges for the upcoming year.

Redefining the art of the possible

The SMB market is a study in contrasts: the tension between boundless aspiration and a constrained reality. However, data shows that a market that has mastered the cloud and is excited by AI will dedicate itself to growth in 2024.