Reducing Tool Sprawl

JumpCloud’s MSP partners are at the forefront of providing essential IT services to small and medium-sized businesses globally. In our interview series, we delve into conversations with these partners, exploring the dynamics of their MSPs and how JumpCloud plays a pivotal role in their operations.

In today’s feature, we had the opportunity to speak again with Chris McKewon of Xceptional.

About Chris McKewon

Chris’ experience in Information Technology spans over twenty years. He spent much of that time as an IT manager, engineer, project manager, etc. In 2007, Chris founded Xceptional. He has worked tirelessly to develop a culture that values and develops its employees, and provides the highest level of service to its stakeholders. Under his leadership, Xceptional has been transformed from a Value-Added Reseller into a growing, award-winning Managed Service Provider.

Here are my 5 key takeaways:

Xceptional has changed over time

Chris explained that Xceptional has evolved over time to what they now call Xceptional 3.0 which offers the following services, and is also looking to grow via acquisition.  (Read about the acquisition of Altitude Networks here)

The business breaks down into 5 pillars : 

• Xceptional Networks – LAN infrastructure etc
• Xceptional Connect – Voice, Video, Conferencing etc
• Xceptional Cloud – Data center, Hosting, Cloud etc
• Xceptional Care – MSP offering, Service Desk, Proactive Monitoring etc
• Xceptional Protect – Security, SOC, MSSP offerings etc

Xceptional embraces Google Workspace

While also working with Microsoft and offering Microsoft 365, Xceptional have embraced Google Workspace and deploy where appropriate along with JumpCloud to help secure identities. They commonly work on migrations from Microsoft to Google and vice versa. 

Chris said he doesn’t understand why MSPs don’t become proficient in Google Workspace so they can support it as the cost of doing so is very low. 

Also, Chris explained that Xceptional works with Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS and even Linux devices and said it’s a great time as MSPs are now able to support them all.

Pick the right end clients

End clients need MSPs, Chris explained that when he chats to new prospects they are often unable to produce a report showing the IT assets they have in their own organization or the patch levels they have in place.

It’s important though that the client is onboard with the journey and is willing to engage in a true partnership with Xceptional to make the process work.  Some clients will be looking for a bargain or the lowest possible price and this isn’t an ideal fit always.

JumpCloud Reduces Tool Sprawl

Once Xceptional began using JumpCloud it became apparent that they were paying for several tools that JumpCloud provided as part of one subscription. It gave them a very capable product that was less expensive than the multiple tools they had before. 

MSPs Should Look at JumpCloud

If Chris met an MSP interested at a tradeshow he would ask how they currently manage the items that JumpCloud help Xceptional with, namely, Identity and Access Management, Remote Assist and Device Management and Patching, what tools they use and are they happy with it?

He would suggest taking a look at JumpCloud as in his experience it’s reduced costs and helped deliver a great service.

Thanks to Chris for taking part in this chat.

To find out more about JumpCloud and how it can help your MSP you can email us or read more about our MSP offering.