Data as of Aug 25, 2026 · Based on 647 AI responses · See how Parse measures this
Managed IT & Security Services
Parse
https://parse.gl
Microsoft's ecosystem dominates AI-driven criteria for selecting managed service providers, with assistants frequently citing certifications as a key vetting factor. The primary trend observed between November and March is a shift away from naming specific MSPs and towards using major technology vendors as benchmarks for expertise and partnerships.
| # | Brand | What AI says | Mention rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cited as the key vendor partnership for evaluating MSP expertise. | 21% | |
| 2 | Frequently mentioned alongside | 12% | |
| 3 | 9% | ||
| 4 | A frequently cited national MSSP known for its security platform. | 7% | |
| 5 | 7% | ||
| 6 | A specific MSP frequently mentioned in late 2025 responses. | 7% | |
| 7 | Cited as an example of a local provider offering faster on-site response. | 7% | |
| 8 | 6% | ||
| 9 | 6% | ||
| 10 | 6% | ||
| 11 | Mentioned as a source for third-party reviews of service providers. | 5% | |
| 12 | Recommended as a leading national MSSP with deep security expertise. | 5% | |
| 13 | 5% | ||
| 14 | 5% | ||
| 15 | 4% | ||
| 16 | 4% | ||
| 17 | Gartner and its Peer Insights are cited for independent provider reviews. | 4% | |
| 18 | 3% | ||
| 19 | 3% | ||
| 20 | 3% | ||
| 21 | 3% | ||
| 22 | 3% | ||
| 23 | 3% | ||
| 24 | 3% | ||
| 25 | 2% |
Who wins on each AI
The same market, seen by two models.
Sources AI cited
crowdstrike.com is the page AI reaches for most here, cited in 27% of analyzed answers.
Moved from rank #10 to #1 between December and March as a certification benchmark.
“mentioning specific MSPs like NinjaOne or CompassMSP by name” → “offering frameworks that use Microsoft certifications as a key evaluation criterion”
Dropped from rank #9 to #14 between December and March, appearing less often.
Became a staple recommendation for independent vendor reviews starting in January 2026.
| Brand | ChatGPT Search | Google AI Mode | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13% | 13% | ||
| 20% | 7% | ||
| 20% | 0% | ||
| 4% | 9% | ||
| 17% | 2% |
The two models disagree most about Microsoft 365 Apps (ChatGPT #3, Google #22) and Microsoft Entra ID (ChatGPT #4, Google #23).
Microsoft's ecosystem dominates AI-driven criteria for selecting managed service providers, with assistants frequently citing Microsoft certifications as a key vetting factor. The primary trend observed between November and March is a shift away from naming specific MSPs and towards using major technology vendors as benchmarks for expertise and partnerships.
Across 647 AI responses, Microsoft is mentioned most, named in 21% of them, followed by Cisco (12%) and Amazon (9%).
Parse measures each brand's mention rate — the share of answers naming it — across 647 AI responses to this market's buyer questions. Answers are collected daily and the ranking is published weekly.
Brands enter the ranking when AI answers mention them. Parse collects answers daily and publishes the re-measured set weekly, so new brands appear as AI starts recommending them.
In late 2025, AI assistants sometimes named specific MSPs like CompassMSP, but since January 2026, responses consistently provide a general framework for evaluation. Models frequently recommend checking for vendor partnerships with major platforms like Microsoft and
Cisco, and using review sites like G2 and
Capterra to vet providers.
In late 2025, AI assistants sometimes named specific MSPs like CompassMSP, but since January 2026, responses consistently provide a general framework for evaluation. Models frequently recommend checking for vendor partnerships with major platforms like Microsoft and
Cisco, and using review sites like G2 and
Capterra to vet providers.
AI responses consistently frame this choice as a trade-off. Local providers are highlighted for faster on-site response and personalized service, while national MSSPs, such as CrowdStrike and , are cited for deep security expertise, advanced tools, and 24/7 monitoring capabilities.
Brands mentioned
AI responses consistently frame this choice as a trade-off. Local providers are highlighted for faster on-site response and personalized service, while national MSSPs, such as CrowdStrike and
SentinelOne, are cited for deep security expertise, advanced tools, and 24/7 monitoring capabilities.