Midmarket? No Thanks
Bellini alleges that ConnectWise's rivals are losing focus by essentially stretching beyond the small business sector and heading up-market. His assertion:"It's a shame that our competition is setting their sights on the 'greener' pastures of mid-market. We have a different view. IT solution providers are the key to driving productivity in the SMB's they service. SMBs account for half of the world's economy. IT solution providers need our mentorship. We realize we can't flip a switch and serve every one of them. And that's why we need competition. But it's a shame to see our competitors move upstream to chase easy money. They are leaving the mission field here in SMB."
Private Equity Dollars
In contrast, private equity dollars have been flowing into the IT channel -- buying a range of software and cloud companies. When ChannelE2E asked Bellini about the trend, his answer pointed back to ConnectWise's core mission:"We will not abandon the mission field for more money. We don't have to. At ConnectWise we get to call the shots, not a private equity firm. Does it always have to be about the money? My father was a 27-year IBM Branch Manager. He taught David, my brother, and I that if you do the right thing the money will follow. We still believe pa was right."
