Global survey highlights MSPs’ struggle to keep pace with SMBs’ AI adoption, driving demand for integrated, scalable cybersecurity solutions
OpenText Cybersecurity has released its 2025 Global Managed Security Survey, capturing insights from more than 1,000 managed service providers (MSPs) worldwide. The study finds that while 92% of MSPs report AI-fueled growth, nearly half say they are not fully prepared to help small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) adopt AI tools securely.
The gap between AI demand and MSP readiness is widening. In 2024, 90% of providers felt equipped to meet customers’ AI-related security needs. This year, that number has dropped to about 50%. Fewer than half have deployed AI cybersecurity agents for SMB customers, though many are experimenting with AI internally for customer support, technical triage, and threat detection.
“MSPs are under pressure to match the pace of AI adoption by their SMB customers. They need security partners who can deliver integrated, scalable services that reduce tool fatigue and simplify operations. That’s exactly what OpenText Secure Cloud provides,” said Michael DePalma, Vice President of Business Development at OpenText Cybersecurity.
The survey also finds that simplicity is overtaking cost as the top priority for SMBs. Customers citing cost savings as a primary challenge fell from 28% in 2023 to 17% in 2025, while 71% of SMBs now prefer bundled, all-in-one prevention, detection, and response services. Integration ease ranked “extremely important” for 78% of respondents, surpassing price in importance.
Looking ahead, 95% of MSPs plan to expand managed service offerings in the next year, with 57% actively developing new services. Priorities include tool integration, service bundling, and solutions that scale across multiple SMB verticals.
The findings underscore a pressing reality: AI is a catalyst for growth, but without integrated, scalable security solutions, MSPs risk falling behind customer expectations. OpenText Cybersecurity positions its Secure Cloud platform as a key enabler, offering simplified deployment and bundled services tailored for partners.
