Pax8 launches AI initiatives & rewards to boost MSP growth

Pax8 has unveiled a series of new initiatives intended to assist managed service providers (MSPs) in advancing their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and supporting the business transformation of small- to midsize businesses (SMBs).

The company's latest measures include the publication of an inaugural research report, enhancements to its marketplace, the launch of a new data and AI-focused learning programme, and the introduction of a rewards system for partners.

Research report

Pax8 has released its first-ever research study, The Agentic Inflection Point: And the Rise of the Managed Intelligence Provider, exploring how agentic AI systems are reshaping SMB operations. The study introduces the concept of Managed Intelligence Providers (MIPs), an evolution of the MSP role, and analyses the implications of agentic labour, AI agents, and new technology monetisation models on smaller enterprises.

Scott Chasin, Chief Executive Officer of Pax8, commented:

"We are standing at the edge of a monumental new era where agentic systems will redefine how work gets done. The proliferation of these AI agents will allow SMBs to compete against large enterprises and scale faster than ever, and Managed Intelligence Providers will be key to enabling the technology. The rate at which this technology is advancing makes the next 24 to 36 months critical. MSPs that evolve quickly into the MIP model will be poised to experience long-term success in the new paradigm."

The report identifies four key levels of AI agent functionality: chatbots, assistants, digital labour, and digital workforce. These range from AI responding to direct prompts, to fully autonomous systems coordinating complex workflows with minimal human intervention. The findings suggest that by transitioning to the MIP role, MSPs can shift from reactive IT support to proactive, strategic guidance, as supported by survey data showing a projected seven-fold increase in MSPs identifying as business advisors over the next two years.

Pax8's report also forecasts the development of an "Agentic Supply Chain", providing infrastructure for digital labour and supporting marketplaces as orchestration centres for business outcomes rather than software procurement. In terms of business models, four pricing paradigms are highlighted: per agent, per action, per workflow, and per outcome, facilitating alignment between AI services offered and real-world value delivered.

The report's analysis points towards growth in AI-native SMBs, with 54% of surveyed midsize enterprises already deploying AI and 83% of high-growth SMBs actively experimenting with it. The "AI-Built SMB" model reflects businesses embedding AI capabilities throughout their operations, seeking modular solutions and exhibiting characteristics typical of technology startups.

Data and AI learning programme

Pax8 has also launched its Data and AI Guided Growth curriculum, the latest in its Guided Growth enablement framework. This curriculum is designed to support MSPs in overcoming barriers to AI adoption and to facilitate business growth in their SMB client base.

Craig Donovan, Chief Experience Officer at Pax8, said:

"Data and AI Guided Growth embodies our commitment to innovation, excellence and partner focus. This track is a strategic enabler for the next evolution of the channel. As our partners embrace the shift from service management to Managed Intelligence, we're equipping them with the vision, tools and support they need to lead transformative AI conversations and deliver outcome-based value to their SMB clients."

The programme comprises a structured five-phase learning journey: Understand, Best Practice, Build It Your Way, Get Buy In, and Implementation. A comprehensive assessment process helps MSPs gauge their current position in AI adoption and tailor further learning and strategic development accordingly. The curriculum aims to support MSPs in leading business transformation discussions, defining AI visions for clients, and implementing data-driven strategies for continual improvement.

Marketplace upgrades

Pax8 has introduced several enhancements to its Marketplace platform, namely the Integrations Hub and Public Storefronts, aimed at simplifying technology integration and driving partner growth.

Libby McIlhany, Chief Product Officer of Pax8, highlighted:

"Integrations Hub represents a fundamental shift in how MSPs can discover and build technology to serve their clients. By creating a centralised marketplace where partners can find, connect and manage all integrations across the Pax8 ecosystem, we've eliminated the need to hunt for compatible tools. This gives our partners unprecedented visibility into the integration landscape with 14 live integrations and more than 30 in development."

The Integrations Hub allows partners to securely connect systems through OAuth authentication and leverage automation via webhooks and subscription to events. More than 50 million public API calls are currently managed monthly across this ecosystem. The inclusion of Model Context Protocol (MCP) technology enables AI agents to interface with traditional software, facilitating greater efficiency and automation.

Public Storefronts enable partners to present their services to potential clients through customisable, embedded interfaces, offering simplified lead generation and catalogue management capabilities. These tools are intended to help MSPs streamline operations and expand their reach within the SMB sector.

Voyager Alliance Rewards

The company has revealed Voyager Alliance Rewards, an upcoming points-based programme that provides partners with redemptions and an exclusive dashboard for tracking activity and rewards accrual. Points allocations will be determined by partner tier and marketplace engagement levels, with additional opportunities to earn through increased spending.

Craig Donovan said:

"The upcoming Rewards component of our comprehensive Voyager Alliance partner program further extends a curated experience for each Pax8 partner, empowering them to engage with Pax8 in unique ways once they start accumulating points. We're excited to introduce this new element and continue rewarding partners for their participation and utilisation of the Pax8 Marketplace, education, tools and resources. We look forward to seeing how partners will leverage their points to invest back into their businesses with many options including exclusive vendor opportunities, professional services, Pax8 Academy offers and more."

Julian Gelfand, Chief Operating Officer of Always Beyond Corp, expressed support for the addition:

"This is an exciting time to be a Pax8 partner as they continue to roll out initiatives like Voyager Alliance Rewards where I can reinvest back into my business by redeeming points based on my current spend. I can't wait to see the rewards dashboard in the fall to manage the points we've earned as a Titan partner with Pax8. We're excited to strengthen our relationship with Pax8 and continue growing together."

The initiatives form part of Pax8's ongoing efforts to support MSP partners through access to AI-driven solutions, business enablement programmes, and technology marketplaces designed for efficiency and scalability.