New on ChannelE2E and MSSP Alert’s radar recently is an organization called the Managed Service Provider Association of America (MSPAA). We’ve seen some buzz out there, but the organization was new to us, so we reached out to find out more.
MSPAA, based in Boulder, Colorado, was founded by Dave Jooste, the president and owner of a security-focused technology consulting company called Cyber Tech Connection. Jooste told ChannelE2E that the organization officially launched in January 2023 and then had a presence at the 2023 MSP Expo event where he said it got a high level of interest from MSPs.
The organization announced its formal launch with 350-plus members on March 30.
What's the Purpose of MSPAA?
Like many other companies and organizations founded by MSPs, MSPAA was created to fill a hole that Jooste perceived in the market. While there are professional organizations for doctors and lawyers, there wasn’t one for MSPs, and Jooste thought there should be.
MSPAA was born out of Jooste’s desire to professionalize the industry and give potential customers somewhere to go to verify their potential MSPs before signing on with them. A central feature is the organization’s website which allows potential customers to search for a managed service provider.
More specifically, Joost said the MSPAA was launched with the following three missions:
- To create an accreditation/endorsement for MSPs across the country.
- To provide a public directory for companies (potential MSP clients) to find MSPs and choose MSPs that would fit their company needs.
- To provide fundraising and funding for students studying for technology certifications.
The vetting process includes verification that the MSP is a registered company, a look at the company’s website, and an interview with the company to ensure they know what they are doing.
Jooste said that MSPAA is also spending on broadcast advertising to promote MSPAA-affiliated companies across the country.
More Background Info on MSPAA
The organization’s top executives are David Jooste, president; Adam Courchaine, chief experience officer; and Jake Charen, chief operating officer.
MSPAA is also working with vendor organizations that will be designated as endorsed partners and preferred members. Earlier this month, Cytellix announced that it has been named an endorsed partner and preferred member with MSPAA. Cytellix offers governance risk and compliance (GRC) and extended detection response (XDR) combined into a single integration solution, according to the company.
On March 27, SmartMomGig.com issued a joint press release with MSPAA, announcing the two organizations had partnered to increase connections between businesses and remote workers across the country.
Jooste said the goal for the next two years is to increase the number of MSPs that are part of the organization. Then MSPAA will create a Colorado small business tradeshow/conference where it will invite small business owners so that they can talk to member managed service providers and other companies in person.
ChannelE2E and MSSP Alert will be following developments with this new organization.
