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Axcient Acquisition

Axcient Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

March 14, 2025

ConnectWise's acquisition of Axcient marks a significant step in enhancing its cybersecurity and data protection capabilities for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). This strategic move aims to integrate Axcient's robust solutions into ConnectWise's Asio platform, offering a comprehensive technology stack. The acquisition underscores ConnectWise's commitment to empowering MSPs with advanced tools to safeguard their clients' data and drive business growth.

What Is Axcient?

Founded in 2006, Axcient specializes in Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) solutions tailored for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Its core products include x360Recover, x360Recover Direct-to-Cloud, x360Recover D2C for Microsoft Azure, x360Cloud, and x360Sync. Axcient stands out with its flexible deployment options, cost-effective solutions, and innovative Chain-Free backup technology. The unified x360 platform simplifies management of BCDR, Cloud-to-Cloud Backup, and Secure Sync and Share, enhancing productivity and security for MSPs.

Who Acquired Axcient?

ConnectWise is a prominent provider of IT management software solutions tailored for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT departments. The company offers a comprehensive suite of products, including Professional Services Automation (PSA), Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), and cybersecurity tools. Key services encompass Business Management, Unified Monitoring and Management, and the Asio MSP Platform. ConnectWise holds a leading market position, supporting over 100,000 MSP and IT professionals with extensive resources for training, support, and business growth.

When Was Axcient Acquired?

ConnectWise announced its acquisition of Axcient on September 10, 2024. This strategic move comes at a time when data protection and cybersecurity are paramount for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) due to escalating cyber threats like ransomware and phishing. The acquisition aligns with industry trends emphasizing robust, integrated security solutions, positioning ConnectWise to offer a comprehensive technology stack that enhances data protection and cybersecurity for MSPs.

Why Was Axcient Acquired?

Market Expansion: The acquisition of Axcient allows ConnectWise to significantly broaden its market reach. By integrating Axcient's robust Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) solutions, ConnectWise can now offer a more comprehensive suite of data protection and cybersecurity services to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs). This strategic move also leverages Axcient's strong international presence, particularly in regions like EMEA and ANZ, enhancing ConnectWise's global footprint.

Technology Integration: ConnectWise benefits immensely from Axcient's advanced technology. The integration of Axcient’s x360 Platform into the ConnectWise Asio® platform streamlines management and reduces operational complexity for MSPs. This seamless integration allows MSPs to manage endpoints and backups from a single interface, thereby improving efficiency and enabling them to focus on business growth. Additionally, the incorporation of Axcient’s solutions enhances ConnectWise's offerings in BCDR and Cloud Backup, providing a more unified and comprehensive platform.

Competitive Advantage: The acquisition of Axcient strengthens ConnectWise's position against competitors like Kaseya. By offering a fully integrated technology stack that includes Professional Services Automation (PSA), Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), cybersecurity, and BCDR, ConnectWise provides MSPs with a complete solution that simplifies operations and improves service delivery. This comprehensive suite, underpinned by generative AI and RPA, positions ConnectWise as a leading provider of IT management and business automation software, capable of delivering innovative solutions that drive profitability and efficiency for MSPs.

Acquisition Terms

  • Acquisition Price: The exact terms of the deals were not disclosed. However, it was reported that ConnectWise was in talks to buy Axcient for between $400 million and $500 million.
  • Payment Method: The payment method is not specified in the provided content.
  • Key Conditions or Agreements:
    • Definitive Agreement: ConnectWise has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Axcient.
    • Transaction Timeline: The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks.
    • Integration: Axcient’s solutions will be integrated into the ConnectWise Asio® platform.
    • Support Continuity: Axcient customers will continue to receive full support for their deployments.
    • Employee Transition: About 300 Axcient employees, including CEO Rod Mathews, are coming over in the deal.
    • Existing Warranties, SLAs, and SOWs: All existing warranties, service level agreements (SLAs), and statements of work (SOWs) will remain in effect.

Impact on Axcient

The acquisition of Axcient by ConnectWise brings notable changes to operations and management. Approximately 300 Axcient employees, including CEO Rod Mathews, are transitioning to ConnectWise, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at driving innovation and support. The integration of Axcient’s Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) solutions into the ConnectWise Asio platform is expected to streamline management and reduce operational complexity for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). This move aligns with ConnectWise's strategy to enhance its cybersecurity and data protection offerings, providing a more comprehensive technology stack.

Product offerings and services will see significant enhancements as a result of the acquisition. Axcient’s robust BCDR solutions, combined with ConnectWise’s existing portfolio, will offer MSPs a unified platform that includes Professional Services Automation (PSA), Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), and cybersecurity tools. This integration aims to improve efficiency and enable MSPs to focus on business growth. Employee reactions have been positive, with leadership expressing excitement about the opportunities ahead. Customers are assured of continued support and seamless integration, with many viewing the acquisition as a beneficial move that enhances service reliability and innovation.

For founders considering business transitions, tools like Sunset can assist in managing such processes compliantly, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.