How do you keep up with the latest trends and technologies in MPS?

You don't. Forget being leading edge in Managed Services, be a fast-follower. The "I'm always looking for the hottest too that can differentiate me" approach is incredibly flawed. Tools analysis, implementation, training and operations are major costs and time consumers. Tools are rarely, if ever, differentiators. It's how they're used that differentiates. Efficiency with tools improves operational costs and can help either grow your margins or allow you to be more price competitive. Hit a conference once a year and stay current on news and you'll have all the info you need.

There are an unending amount of solutions and tools in the world right now. Set the vendors attention to the requirements you think that you need by sending over a quick agenda for a 15-minute call and what you would like to accomplish. In short, take control. This will give you the ability to project the return on investment you will receive from the tool or solution. Demo the product. Run it through your technical team and as live as you can take it. As much as you can use it. Define milestones for success. Tell the vendor what you want in specific timelines. This way the vendor and tier team are focused on the process you would like. Whether it is a top of line importance solution or a back burner option.

Your goal is to get the services that are needed for your business. This means you are looking at new trends, technology, and more that will help you...First. Knowing what you need you can communicate that with your MSP/MSSP. It's key for service providers to engage with their client base and let your needs as a client, influence their product & services road maps.

Talk to your clients! If you are struggling to deliver what they need today, you'll never be able to deliver what they need tomorrow. You should be engaging with them to understand what their challenges are now, as well as what they see coming in the future. Focus on challenges and seek out how to solve those problems, that will lead you to the technology that may exist or is being developed. By working your product roadmap with your key clients you align your futures together.