Network Group, a member-owned community of MSPs, IT resellers and retailers, has partnered with Datagate to offer fully supported one-stop telecom services that integrate with Xero, ConnectWise Manage, Datto Autotask PSA system and other software popular with MSPs.
‘Telecom-in-a-box’ is a complete solution designed to remove the barriers that MSPs in the UK typically face when selling telecommunications services, says David Tulip, Managing Director, Network Group.
“Billing is automatic and MSPs no longer need any special knowledge to get started,” he says.
“We manage the implementation for them and provide full ongoing support.”
Datagate provides automated telecom billing, rating and reporting for the new service.
“We chose Datagate because it’s designed for MSPs, it integrates with ConnectWise and Datto Autotask PSA and it’s proven to work for UK customers. It’s just a great fit,” David Tulip says.
Network Group is making the new ‘telecom in a box’ service available to non-members via its commercial arm, Technology To Go. The move is designed to address a core challenge for MSPs in the UK – telecom carriers don’t want to deal with small MSPs, but David Tulip reckons all MSPs need to be offering telecom services.
“If you don’t, someone else will. That is the threat,” he says.
“Telecom is a revenue opportunity for MSPs, but also a strategic way to secure their business. It used to be that carriers owned the customer but now it’s the MSP and I don’t think MSPs should take a backward step on that. Typically IT guys are the least skilled in sales but are in a fantastic position of strength and trust.”
Some larger MSPs are partnering with carriers but that means they’re splitting the profits, David Tulip says.
“Our new boxed service is highly strategic as it enables MSPs to leverage the buying power of a much larger organization to get favourable terms – and keep all the profit. Gamma (a large UK carrier) is already passing us customers that are too small for them to deal with direct. MSPs of any size in the UK and Ireland can benefit from our substantial buying power.
“We have partnered with Datagate to help MSPs to grow and secure their business. Telecom in a box is a service by MSPs for MSPs. With our expert help they can build it, provision it and make money.
“Datagate is easy to use and integrate – our users and support team love it. Working with Datagate has been a really positive experience. Their willingness to go the extra mile makes them stand out as a provider.”
