Austin McChord on Slide: Building a Better BCDR for MSPs and Lessons from Datto's Journey

Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

Austin McChord, co-founder and chairman of Slide, discusses the launch of his new BCDR startup, which aims to serve managed service providers (MSPs) with a fresh approach. Drawing from his experience at Datto, McChord emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong culture and alignment with MSPs, which he feels has eroded in recent years. He addresses comparisons between Slide and Datto, explaining that while there are similarities in vision, Slide is built on a completely different technological foundation, utilizing NVMe flash storage to enhance performance and user experience.

McChord expresses a commitment to ensuring Slide remains an independent company, learning from the challenges faced during Datto's journey, including its acquisition and the subsequent cultural shifts. He highlights the importance of setting clear values and operational controls to prevent a repeat of past experiences. The conversation delves into the lessons learned from building Datto, particularly regarding business operations and the unpredictability of public markets, which can lead to unwanted outcomes for company culture and employee satisfaction.

The discussion also touches on the impact of AI in the tech landscape, with McChord noting that while AI can enhance efficiency, it currently struggles with tasks that require deep expertise. He believes that AI's potential lies in automating mundane tasks and improving configurations, but warns against rushing to implement AI solutions that may not yet be fully developed. McChord emphasizes the need for MSPs to understand the limitations of AI and to focus on building strong relationships with new small businesses that are emerging in the tech space.

Finally, McChord shares his philanthropic endeavors, including transforming an abandoned power plant into a public park. He expresses excitement about projects that prioritize social returns over economic ones, and how these initiatives allow him to apply business principles to create positive change. His passion for building and creating, whether in business or philanthropy, drives his current pursuits and future aspirations.

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