Introducing the GitLab Managed Service Provider (MSP) Partner Program
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.
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