Episode #743 of the MSPi PrimeCast
Networking is often taken for granted — until it fails. But for Meter’s Xan Stevenson, it’s not just about keeping systems running; it’s about re-engineering how networks are designed, delivered, and managed in an increasingly intelligent world.
Stevenson brings a modern blueprint for MSPs to follow — one that merges visibility, automation, and partnership to create smarter networks that scale seamlessly. Meter’s model shows how MSPs can deliver reliability, transparency, and simplicity in a world where networking has become both more critical and more complex.
Here are six lessons MSPs can take from Meter’s forward-thinking approach.
1️⃣ Data Visibility Defines Modern Networking
Meter’s foundation is measurement. Stevenson explained that most networks are “black boxes” — MSPs can see when something breaks but not always why. Meter bakes analytics into every layer, offering real-time visibility on traffic, uptime, and anomalies.
Action for MSPs: Move beyond reactive monitoring. Use analytics tools that capture performance trends, capacity data, and anomalies automatically. Turn visibility into value by translating insights into smarter planning and measurable ROI.
2️⃣ Simplify Complexity — Clients Don’t Want to Configure
Meter eliminates client friction by making complex networking simple. From zero-touch deployment to centralized management, their system hides technical layers behind an elegant interface.
Action for MSPs: Streamline everything from onboarding to troubleshooting. Use automation for provisioning, firmware updates, and monitoring so clients experience speed and simplicity — not confusion and configuration menus.
3️⃣ Shift from Hardware to Experience
Stevenson’s model replaces the “sell-a-box” mindset with network-as-a-service. Meter delivers reliability as an outcome, not just devices in a rack. This reframes how MSPs should talk about value.
Action for MSPs: Recast your pitch. Don’t lead with routers or switches — lead with uptime, performance, and user satisfaction. Bundle hardware, software, and support under one recurring, outcome-based model.
4️⃣ Automation and Transparency Build Trust
Meter’s automation doesn’t just optimize operations — it strengthens relationships. Automated health reports and performance summaries give clients ongoing confidence in what they’re paying for.
Action for MSPs: Automate regular reporting, patch updates, and uptime verification. Share the data with clients to prove reliability and accountability. Transparency is a retention strategy.
5️⃣ Partnerships Multiply Capability
Stevenson emphasized that Meter’s success comes from partnership — not isolation. By collaborating with vendors and MSPs, they amplify innovation and market reach.
Action for MSPs: Develop your own partner ecosystem. Integrate with complementary tools and vendors that enhance your service stack — from cybersecurity to IoT to SD-WAN. A strong network of allies leads to stronger client outcomes.
6️⃣ Design Networks for the Future — Not Just Today
Stevenson views networks as living systems that must evolve with client needs. Scalability, sustainability, and adaptability are baked into Meter’s roadmap. The same mindset should guide MSPs.
Action for MSPs: Adopt future-ready architectures — modular hardware, software-defined networking, and scalable bandwidth models. Plan for growth and agility so your clients’ infrastructure never becomes tomorrow’s bottleneck.
The MSP Takeaway
Meter’s vision, as shared by Xan Stevenson, reframes networking from a maintenance burden into a measurable, transparent experience. For MSPs, the challenge is clear: stop treating the network as background noise and start treating it as a differentiator.
By blending automation, data visibility, and partnership, MSPs can deliver networks that think, adapt, and scale — the kind of infrastructure clients will never want to unplug.
Catch the full conversation on MSPi PrimeCast Episode #743 and connect with Xan at https://www.meter.com/
