PAX 8's AI Solutions, Apple's Developer Access, Cybersecurity Policy Changes, and MSP Support Group
PAX 8 has announced the development of the first Managed Intelligence Toolkit, set to launch in 2026, aimed at empowering managed service providers (MSPs) to deliver AI solutions at scale to small and medium-sized businesses. This toolkit will integrate various Microsoft technologies, enabling MSPs to orchestrate automation for their clients. Scott Chason, CEO of PAX 8, emphasized the evolution of MSPs from managing infrastructure to managing intelligence, positioning them as architects of digital transformation. However, the term "Managed Intelligence Provider" has been criticized for being reductive, as IT service providers must maintain flexibility to address a wide range of digital needs beyond just intelligence.
Apple has also made significant strides in the AI landscape, announcing plans to open its foundational AI technology to third-party developers. This shift comes as Apple faces scrutiny regarding its competitiveness in the evolving AI market. Additionally, Apple has introduced a new naming convention for its operating systems, moving from version numbers to a year-based system, which aims to simplify its previous approach. The company has also launched iPadOS 26, enhancing multitasking capabilities and user interface, while a recent research paper from Apple has raised doubts about the effectiveness of AI reasoning models, suggesting they struggle with complex problems.
In a notable shift in U.S. cybersecurity policy, President Trump has rolled back key provisions established by the Biden administration, particularly concerning federal software acquisition rules and cybersecurity measures related to quantum computing and AI. This new executive order emphasizes limiting cyber sanctions to foreign actors and alters previous cybersecurity directives, which could impact the landscape of U.S. cybersecurity. The appointment of Brett Leatherman as the assistant director of the FBI's Cyber Division aims to strengthen efforts against cybercrime, although the Federal Communications Commission is currently facing challenges due to a lack of quorum, hindering its ability to address critical issues.
Lastly, the MSP Owners Group has been launched by Juan Fernandez to support small to mid-sized MSPs, focusing on community-driven growth rather than traditional private equity models. This initiative aims to help struggling providers grow while maintaining their core values, emphasizing that trust and relationships are the real assets in an MSP. The rise of alternative models rooted in peer support and sustainable growth represents a significant evolution in MSP financing, offering owner-operators more nuanced paths for collaboration and exit strategies in a maturing M&A landscape.
Four things to know today
00:00 New Pax8 AI Toolkit Says ‘Manage Intelligence,’ But Smart MSPs Will Manage Outcomes
02:57 Apple Opens AI Tools to Developers While Quietly Questioning the Tech’s Limits
06:33 Trump Rolls Back Cyber Rules as FBI Appoints New Cyber Chief Amid FCC Paralysis
09:58 MSP Owners Group Emerges as Third Path for Providers Seeking Growth Without Selling Out
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