In our recent webinar, « Scaling WiFi with Confidence for MSPs,” I, and Magnus Johansson, CEO at WiBUZ.COM shared insights on how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can scale effectively amidst challenges like vendor lock-in, talent shortages, and complex multi-vendor environments. Bradford Randall from Broadband Communities moderated the webinar. In this blog, we highlight the top questions from the audience.
1. Doesn’t adopting a vendor-neutral solution create a new form of vendor lock-in?
This was a common concern among attendees. Panelists explained that while it’s natural to worry about another “lock-in,” a vendor-neutral platform is designed to be adaptable and scalable, much like Android or Windows. Rather than binding MSPs to a particular ecosystem, a vendor-neutral platform gives MSPs the freedom to integrate multiple vendors’ solutions without needing to change the entire setup. The goal is flexibility, where MSPs can choose different technologies based on business needs without sacrificing interoperability or being forced to adopt only one vendor’s roadmap.
2. How does TIP Open WiFi fit into a unified management platform, especially when integrating with legacy systems?
TIP Open WiFi is an open, standardized protocol for WiFi that is gaining traction in the industry. However, it is not compatible with existing systems from major WiFi vendors. The panelists highlighted that a vendor-neutral platform could bridge TIP Open WiFi and traditional infrastructures like those from Ruckus, Cisco Meraki, or Cambium. By normalizing APIs from diverse vendors, the unified management interface could provide MSPs with a consolidated view of networks across TIP Open WiFi and legacy equipment, ultimately enabling them to expand their service offerings.
3. Why do MSPs spend so heavily on R&D if vendor solutions are already available?
This question addressed the discrepancy between available vendor solutions and the high R&D expenditures by MSPs. Experts noted that while vendor solutions are widely available, they often don’t meet the specific needs of every MSP due to differences in operational environments, service verticals, and scalability requirements. Many MSPs invest in R&D to build in-house solutions that fill these gaps. However, by shifting to a vendor-neutral platform, MSPs can reduce these custom development costs because the platform can integrate multiple vendor technologies seamlessly, offering a more cost-effective way to customize services.
4. Why is finding and retaining skilled labor a persistent issue, even with increased R&D spending?
Adlane Fellah pointed out the irony of a skilled labor shortage despite significant layoffs in the tech industry. The experts clarified that it’s not just about hiring skilled talent but finding “committed” skilled talent that fits well with long-term operational needs. Large companies like Google and Apple can offer enticing benefits, making it harder for smaller MSPs to compete. MSPs are often better off working with on-demand R&D partners who provide specialized support as needed. This way, MSPs get the needed expertise without the financial burden of maintaining sizeable in-house development teams.
5. How can vendor-neutral platforms benefit smaller MSPs with limited budgets?
A concern was raised about whether the WIBIP OS platform from WIBUZ is suitable only for larger MSPs with bigger budgets. The response was that this vendor-neutral platform is modular and highly customizable, making it adaptable to large and small MSPs. For smaller MSPs, the platform provides access to advanced integrations and functionalities they might not otherwise be able to afford. By reducing the need for in-house R&D and simplifying vendor management, these platforms allow even regional MSPs to scale services efficiently without a high upfront investment.
6. Is Passpoint supported for onboarding customers?
Yes, Passpoint is an option for onboarding with the WIBIP OS platform. Passpoint is an authentication standard that simplifies user connections to public WiFi. If the underlying equipment supports Passpoint, the vendor-neutral platform can integrate this functionality, enabling MSPs to offer seamless, secure end-user onboarding. The platform manages various onboarding methods based on what the underlying infrastructure supports, making it flexible and adaptable to different client needs.
7. How does TIP Open WiFi work with vendor-neutral platforms in real-world deployments?
In response to a question about practical deployment, Magnus Johansson from WiBUZ shared a recent case study of vendor-neutral deployment in Jamaican schools. Initially, the platform was used with Ruckus equipment but was later adapted for TIP Open WiFi equipment in a second phase. This example demonstrated the flexibility of a vendor-neutral platform to support multiple vendors and technologies within a single project, integrating equipment from various providers seamlessly and efficiently across a large-scale network.
8. Can this unified platform cater to different verticals, such as education, hospitality, or multi-dwelling units (MDUs)?
WIBIP OS platform modular design supports multiple verticals, making it suitable for hospitality, education, MDUs, and more. It’s built to adapt to specific business requirements within each vertical, such as integrating property management systems (PMS) for MDUs or guest WiFi management for hospitality. As a result, MSPs can customize the platform to address the unique demands of each vertical without needing separate solutions for each, which streamlines operations and reduces costs.
9. Does WiBIP OS provide real-time API integration and on-demand R&D support?
Yes, the platform offers real-time API integration across multiple vendors, enabling MSPs to manage diverse equipment types from a single interface. It also includes on-demand R&D support, providing MSPs access to skilled developers without needing a dedicated in-house team. This support reduces MSPs' operational burden and enables them to deploy new features or address specific customer needs.
10. How can MSPs work with WiBIP OS without losing their brand identity?
WiBIP OS is white-label by design, meaning that all branding remains specific to the MSP. Unlike some solutions that impose their brand, this platform allows MSPs to retain their identity across customer touchpoints, from dashboards to portals. This feature enables MSPs to maintain a strong brand presence while enjoying the technical advantages of a scalable, vendor-neutral system.
These detailed responses from the Q&A reflect the webinar's focus on addressing the real-world challenges MSPs face while scaling and adapting to new technologies. Each answer offered practical insights into how a vendor-neutral platform can streamline operations, reduce costs, and help MSPs overcome traditional growth barriers.