Building In-House Linux Expertise vs. Partnering: What’s Best for MSPs?

Many Managed Service Providers’ business models are built around Microsoft technologies – Windows Server, Microsoft 365, Azure – because that’s what their clients rely on. But increasingly, clients are turning to Linux for high-performance computing, AI/ML, cloud-native workloads, and cost savings. That shift creates a challenge: how do you support clients who need Linux when your team is built around Windows?

For some MSPs, the first instinct is to build in-house Linux expertise – hiring specialists or training existing staff. For others, a partnership with a Linux provider makes more sense. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both approaches so you can decide which is the right fit for your MSP.

Option 1: Building In-House Linux Expertise

Expanding your MSP’s in-house Linux capabilities may seem like the most straightforward approach – after all, adding new services is how most MSPs grow. But Linux isn’t just another checkbox on an MSP’s service list; it requires deep expertise, ongoing training, and a commitment to open-source technologies.

Pros of Building In-House Linux Expertise

• Full Control Over Service Delivery: You maintain direct control over how Linux services are delivered to clients, keeping everything in-house.
• Stronger Long-Term Capabilities: If you have a growing number of Linux clients, having dedicated Linux engineers could make financial sense in the long run.
• More Upsell Opportunities: Offering Linux support as part of a managed service package could increase revenue from existing clients.

Cons of Building In-House Linux Expertise

• Recruiting Linux Talent is Difficult: Experienced Linux engineers are in high demand, and finding skilled professionals who fit within an MSP model can be challenging and expensive.
• Training Existing Teams Takes Time: Windows engineers don’t become Linux experts overnight. Even with training, it takes years of hands-on experience to develop true Linux proficiency.
• Continuous Professional Development: Linux isn’t static. Distributions evolve, security vulnerabilities emerge, and new open-source tools become standard. Keeping up requires continuous learning, which adds another layer of training and resource allocation.
• Limited ROI if Demand is Low: If only a handful of your clients need Linux support, the investment in hiring and training may not justify the return.

In summary, if Linux support is a core part of your long-term strategy, then investing in in-house expertise might make sense. But if Linux is only a small part of your client base’s infrastructure, it may not be the best use of your resources.

Option 2: Partnering with a Linux Specialist

For many MSPs, the better option is partnering with a Linux provider that seamlessly integrates with their existing service model. This allows you to offer expert Linux support without the overhead of hiring, training, and maintaining a Linux team.

Pros of Partnering with a Linux Specialist

• Immediate Access to Expert Linux Support: Instead of waiting months (or years) to build internal capabilities, you can offer Linux support right away.
• No Need to Hire or Train: You don’t have to recruit or upskill staff, freeing up resources to focus on your core MSP services.
• Less Risk to Your Client Relationships: By working with a trusted partner, you ensure your clients get the best Linux support while maintaining control of the overall relationship.
• Consistent, High-Quality Support for Your Clients: With a Linux specialist as your partner, your clients receive expert support whenever they need it, without delays or gaps in service. You don’t have to worry about Linux-related tickets sitting unresolved because your team lacks the expertise.

Cons of Partnering with a Linux Specialist

• You Don’t Own the Expertise In-House: If you rely on a partner, you’re not developing internal Linux expertise, which may be a consideration for long-term strategic growth.
• Choosing the Wrong Partner Can Be Risky: Not all Linux providers understand the MSP business model or the level of commitment it requires. Or if you partner with a provider that also offers Windows or other IT services, they could become a competitor rather than a trusted partner.

That’s why choosing the right Linux partner is critical.

What Does a Strong MSP-Linux Partnership Look Like?

The right Linux partnership should enhance your MSP’s capabilities without competing with your core business. The best MSP-Linux partnerships take different forms depending on your needs:

White-Label Linux Support
If you want to offer Linux support under your own brand, a white-label partnership allows you to seamlessly integrate Linux expertise without hiring internally.

Referral Partnership
If Linux isn’t a large part of your client base’s infrastructure, a referral model may be the best fit. Instead of struggling to support Linux internally, you introduce your clients to a trusted specialist.

Project-Based Consultancy
Some clients don’t need ongoing Linux support, but they do need specialist expertise for things like migrations, performance tuning, or security hardening. A Linux consultancy partner allows you to offer high-value services without the commitment of a long-term Linux support team.

Choosing the Right Linux Partner: What to Look For

Not all Linux providers are created equal. If you’re considering partnering with a Linux specialist, look for:

• Exclusive Linux Focus: Avoid generalist IT firms. You need a partner whose sole expertise is Linux.
• No Competition with Your MSP Business: Ensure your partner doesn’t offer Windows or competing IT services.
• Proven Industry Experience: Your clients expect the same high standards they get from you – choose a partner with a track record of delivering Linux solutions across industries like research, biosciences, finance, and high-performance computing.
• Flexible Engagement Models: Whether you need white-label support, referrals, or consultancy, your Linux partner should work in a way that fits your business model.
• Strong Security & Compliance Credentials: Look for a provider with ISO 27001 certification and a strong understanding of security best practices.

Linux is no longer a niche requirement. More and more businesses are turning to Linux for mission-critical workloads – and MSPs need a strategy to support them.

For some, that means building in-house expertise. But for many, partnering with a specialist is the faster, more cost-effective route. The right Linux partner helps MSPs expand their offering, retain valuable clients, and stay competitive without taking on unnecessary risk or overhead.

If your MSP is facing challenges supporting Linux workloads, we can help. Visit our [MSP Services page] to learn how we work with MSPs to deliver seamless, expert Linux support without disrupting their core business.