This trend of MSPs outsourcing to one another (or other IT service providers) will go global. Outside of the US, OnForce is growing fast in Canada, and testing IT service provider marketplaces in Europe.

I’m not suggesting that OnForce is “the best” or “the only” way for MSPs to outsource work to one another. However, OnForce’s growth provides important clues about how the IT channel is evolving.

And MSPs are noticing OnForce. Earlier today, I spoke with Michael Proper, CEO of DirectPointe, a top MSP. He mentioned a recent business deal with OnForce, an d describe the company as “the new channel.” I’ll be posting a podcast with Michael/DirectPointe in the next few days (http://www.mspmentor.net/category/podcasts/).

As I’m sure Paul has discussed, another reason IT service providers are outsourcing is to expand their geographic reach and technology offerings. For example, when an MSP’s customer adds an office on the opposite coast, the provider may want to outsource the implementation for that site. If the MSP has a customer that needs a Point of Sale (POS) implementation, OnForce has many highly-rated providers that can be contracted with to handle that project (or perform some onsite services). That’s a lot easier than trying to hire a new tech resource and keeps the focus on the core services and markets the company serves.

As you mentioned, Autotask will soon be releasing a new feature that complements OnForce and the IMSN communities, both technology partner organizations of ours. This is a valuable topic for many providers, so keep up the great work!

Brian