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Introducing the GitLab Managed Service Provider (MSP) Partner Program (opens in new tab)

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GitLab has launched a global Managed Service Provider (MSP) Partner Program for qualified providers to deliver GitLab as a fully managed DevSecOps service. The program combines financial incentives, technical enablement, marketing support, and a structured onboarding process. It aims to help customers adopt and operate GitLab while enabling MSPs to build recurring, services-led revenue.

Why the Program Matters

  • Many organizations lack the resources to deploy, administer, migrate, and continuously optimize a DevSecOps platform.
  • MSP partners can manage GitLab’s operational needs while development teams focus on building and delivering software.
  • The program provides formal requirements, enablement, dedicated support, and financial benefits for MSPs worldwide.
  • It addresses common customer challenges such as complex migrations, fragmented toolchains, and expanding security requirements.

Benefits for MSP Partners

  • Partners receive standard GitLab margins plus an additional MSP premium on transactions, new business, and renewals.
  • MSPs retain all service fees from deployment, migration, training, enablement, and consulting.
  • Quarterly technical bootcamps cover releases, new features, best practices, roadmap updates, and peer experiences.
  • Recommended certifications include AWS Solutions Architect Associate and GCP Associate Cloud Engineer.
  • Go-to-market resources include:
    • A GitLab Certified MSP Partner badge
    • Co-brandable marketing assets
    • Eligibility for joint customer case studies
    • Partner Locator placement
    • Marketing Development Funds for qualified campaigns

Customer Experience

Customers receive a structured and repeatable managed DevSecOps service, including:

  • Documented implementation and migration methodologies
  • Platform deployment, administration, and ongoing support
  • Regular business reviews
  • Defined response and escalation procedures
  • Continuous platform optimization handled by the MSP

Supporting AI Adoption

GitLab MSPs can help organizations introduce AI-assisted development through the GitLab Duo Agent Platform.

  • MSPs can provide governance and operational guidance for AI adoption.
  • Customers can test AI workflows in controlled environments.
  • Managed services can help address data residency, compliance, and scaling requirements.
  • This approach reduces the burden on internal teams while enabling broader adoption of agentic AI.

Who Should Apply

The program is designed for MSPs that:

  • Already manage cloud, infrastructure, or application operations
  • Want to expand into DevSecOps services
  • Have, or plan to develop, relevant technical expertise
  • Prefer long-term customer relationships and recurring services revenue
  • Are existing GitLab Select or Professional Services Partners seeking a repeatable managed offering

How to Get Started

  • Confirm business and technical eligibility using the program handbook.
  • Apply through the GitLab Partner Portal with supporting documentation.
  • Complete a structured 90-day onboarding process covering contracts, technical training, sales enablement, and an initial customer engagement.
  • Package the managed service, define SLAs, and launch the offering.
  • Applications are reviewed in approximately three business days.

For MSPs with the necessary operational capabilities, the program offers a formal path to build a recurring GitLab managed services practice while helping customers adopt DevSecOps and AI more effectively.