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Charles Weaver from MSPAlliance sent me an email over the weekend clarifying some points about their certification proces and their newly announced insurance program.  Here is his email to me (I edited out some text before and after to only include what I thought was relevant):

I heard that there have been some discussions on another website regarding the MSAP and insurance and I wanted to provide some clarification:

• The MSAP costs $1500 ($995 depending on some special promotional programs); there may be travel costs associated but it depends on the situation.
• MSAP is completely voluntary for members; i.e., not required.
• MSAP is gaining tremendous recognition across the globe as an official standard. There are reports from members, including one who recently secured a managed services client, of the MSAP certification effectively being used in lieu of a SAS 70 report.
• The MSPAlliance Professional Liability Insurance™ is not exclusive to accredited MSPs. This insurance is available to ALL MSPAlliance members. If you are an accredited MSP then you do get a premium discount on the insurance (again, providing additional validity of the MSAP exam that Lloyd’s of London would recognize your profession).

Thanks for the clarification, Charles!

MRC

I was thrilled when I read this announcement from the MSPAlliance. Read it here.

Why is this such good news?

I’ve been working with our insurance agent for some time now. He’s a good guy and a very capable insurance broker, but he doesn’t understand the details of our business at all. The term “Managed Service Provider” means nothing to him.

Often times the role that we play for clients involves assuming a great deal of responsibility. Combine that with the fact that most of our customers don’t understand much about technology, and you have potentially volatile situations when something goes wrong.

Getting access to an insurance program that is specifically meant to suit the needs and alleviate the risks of the MSP could potentially be a big win for our industry.

Good work Charles Weaver - thanks for looking out for us!

MRC