Arnie Bellini’s Vision for Tampa’s CyberBay: An Insightful Conversation

When it comes to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and the broader IT channel, few figures have made as significant an impact as Arnie Bellini. As the co-founder of ConnectWise and now the General Partner at Bellini Capital, Arnie has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of the industry. That’s why we were honored to sit down with him for an exclusive discussion with Timus CEO, Pinar Ormeci.

In this compelling interview, Arnie dives deep into his journey—how he built ConnectWise into an industry powerhouse and his ambitious plan to transform Tampa Bay into CyberBay. He shares insights on the current landscape for MSPs, the future of cybersecurity, and why staying ahead of cyberthreats is more critical than ever.

Why MSPs Must Prioritize Cybersecurity

One of the key takeaways from this discussion was the undeniable shift in MSP service models. The days of basic IT support are long gone. According to Arnie, cybersecurity must now be at the core of MSP offerings. Traditional tools like firewalls and antivirus software are no longer enough to defend against modern cyber threats. Businesses today require a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) approach—one that continuously verifies and secures users, devices, and applications.

This is exactly why solutions like Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) have become indispensable. Timus SASE delivers a seamless, cloud-native approach to security, consolidating multiple tools into a single, easy-to-manage platform. This ensures secure access while reducing complexity for MSPs and MSSPs. As Pinar Ormeci pointed out during the interview, “If you’re doing security right, it’s an opportunity to tell your clients, ‘We’re future-proofing you’.”.

Arnie reinforced this sentiment, stating, “The MSPs that integrate cybersecurity into their core services will be the ones who thrive. Those who don’t will be left behind.” Clients are no longer asking if they need cybersecurity—they expect it. And MSPs that don’t evolve will lose business to those that do.

Solving the Cybersecurity Talent Shortage

Arnie’s commitment to cybersecurity continues to go deeper and deeper, as he is invested in solving the talent shortage, which he believes is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry. During the interview, he shared about his exciting initiative aimed at addressing that shortage. The U.S. is currently facing an estimated 1 million job openings for cybersecurity professionals, and Arnie believes that the only way to bridge this gap is by investing in the next generation of talent.

That’s why he’s investing $40 million into the creation of the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida. This initiative aims to train the next generation of cybersecurity experts, equipping them with the skills needed to secure businesses against ever-evolving cyberattacks.

His vision goes beyond education—he wants Tampa Bay to become a cybersecurity innovation hub, attracting talent and businesses to build a stronger, more secure digital ecosystem.

The Future of MSPs: Security, AI, and Adaptation

Arnie and Pinar’s discussion wasn’t just about today’s cybersecurity challenges—it was a look ahead at what’s coming next. From artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity to the rapid adoption of Zero Trust frameworks, the industry is evolving faster than ever.

As Arnie put it, “You have to jump on this wave—whether it’s artificial intelligence or cybersecurity. If you don’t, you’re going to miss out.”.

For MSPs, MSSPs, and IT service providers, the message is clear: cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential. With solutions like Timus SASE, providers can future-proof their security offerings, enhance compliance, and deliver seamless, secure connectivity to their clients.

Don’t Miss the Full Interview!

Want to hear more from Arnie Bellini and Pinar Ormeci? Watch the full interview now and gain valuable insights that can help your business stay ahead in the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.