How to Thrive in a Multi-OS World

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 with Chris Pearson of The Light.

About Chris Pearson

In the late 1990s, Chris Pearson, CEO and co-founder of The Light, found himself working as the first and only IT manager at a brand consultancy in London. At the time, the company had just two computers and hired Pearson to manage them.

“The role wasn’t sufficient or big enough; it was just dial-up internet and various other bits,” Pearson says. “It became clear to me that you could do something like this for lots of other companies at the same time.”

This is where the idea for The Light was born. More than 20 years later, the company is still providing managed services from its central London headquarters. 

As one of its goals, The Light aims to bring clients to the cutting edge of technology. By equipping clients with the latest tools on the market — scalable tools that make life easier — companies are able to focus more on their core competencies instead of running into IT issues and addressing them over and over again.

Here are my key takeaways:

1. Embrace Platform Agnosticism

Chris explained that over time The Light has shifted towards supporting a mix of Windows, Mac, Google Workspace, and Office 365 clients reflecting a growing trend that businesses no longer want to be tied to a single platform. By adopting tools like JumpCloud that manage users and devices across platforms, MSPs can cater to a wider range of clients and their diverse needs.

2. Streamline Onboarding and Management

JumpCloud’s centralized user management simplifies onboarding new clients and managing existing ones. Chris spoke about the importance of tools that automate repetitive tasks, allowing The Light to focus on strategic IT services.

3. The Future is Cloud-Based and Flexible

The increasing adoption of Google Workspace, particularly among younger users, points towards a cloud-centric future.  Chris explained that success with JumpCloud underscores the need for MSPs to embrace cloud-based solutions that offer flexibility and scalability for their clients.

4. Security is Paramount

JumpCloud’s security features, like centralized directory services and multi-factor authentication, are crucial in today’s threat landscape. MSPs that prioritize robust security solutions like JumpCloud can offer their clients peace of mind.

5.  Be Prepared for Change

Chris explained that the IT landscape is constantly evolving, and MSPs that choose tools like JumpCloud, which can adapt to changing client needs and technological advancements, are best positioned for long-term success.

Thanks to Chris for taking part in this chat.  Check out The Light here.

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