Research From AvePoint and Omdia Reveals Governance and Compliance as the Leading AI Adoption Barrier Among MSPs

Rhea-AI Summary

AvePoint (Nasdaq: AVPT) released Omdia-backed research (April 9, 2026) showing governance and compliance as the top AI adoption barrier for MSP customers, cited by 51% of providers. The study finds strong demand for integrated platforms (49%) and integrated backup/recovery (91%), plus high MSP commitment to automation (94%) but limited execution (43% high maturity). Omdia forecasts a $276B global partner AI opportunity by 2030 and projects compliance services growth of 21% for MSPs in 2026.

Positive

• Large partner opportunity of $276 billion by 2030
• 49% of MSPs want a complete integrated platform
• 91% say integrated backup and recovery strengthens governance
• 94% of MSPs commit to automation for AI data readiness
• Compliance services projected to grow 21% for MSPs in 2026

Negative

• Only 43% of MSPs report high maturity delivering AI-ready data
• Operational complexity cited by 40% as barrier to automation
• Multi-tenant variability limits scalable automation and standardization

News Market Reaction – AVPT

-6.73%

29 alerts

-6.73% Session close to close

-3.8% Trough in 4 hr 47 min

$2.03B Market Cap

0.6x Rel. Volume

In the Apr 9 session, AVPT declined 6.73%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -3.8% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 29 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

The stock moved -6.7% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite AI-focused res...

Analysis

The stock moved -6.7% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite AI-focused research fits a pattern where prior AI-tagged announcements around platform expansions saw modest or negative next-day moves, even when operationally positive. With shares already trading well below the 200-day MA, further weakness could have reflected skepticism about near-term monetization of governance demand. Historical behavior suggests AI headlines alone have not consistently supported sustained price strength.

Key Figures

AI services opportunity: $276 billion Compliance services growth: 21% Governance barrier share: 51% +5 more

8 metrics

AI services opportunity $276 billion Global partner AI services opportunity by 2030 (Omdia forecast)

Compliance services growth 21% Projected MSP compliance services growth for 2026

Governance barrier share 51% MSPs citing governance and compliance as main AI adoption obstacle

Platform integration demand 49% MSPs wanting a complete platform integrated with core tools

Backup integration preference 91% MSPs saying integrated backup and disaster recovery improves governance

Automation commitment 94% MSPs committed to automation around AI data readiness and compliance

High-maturity MSPs 43% MSPs reporting high maturity delivering AI-ready data environments

Survey sample size 333 MSPs Global MSPs surveyed across North America, EMEA, and APAC

Previous AI Reports

5 past events · Latest: Mar 09 (Positive)

Same Type Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Mar 09	AI platform launch	Positive	-0.6%	General availability of AgentPulse Command Center for multicloud AI governance.
Feb 04	AI platform expansion	Positive	-0.5%	Confidence Platform adds agentic AI governance and broader multi-SaaS protection.
Nov 18	AI product launch	Positive	-0.7%	Launch of AgentPulse Command Center to centralize controls for agentic AI.
Oct 14	Platform capability update	Positive	-0.5%	Expanded Confidence Platform data protection and agentic AI support across SaaS.
Oct 08	AI readiness report	Positive	+3.0%	Research report on stalled AI rollouts and security breaches highlighting governance gap.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

AI-themed announcements have typically produced small single-day moves, often slightly negative despite product and platform enhancements.

Recent Company History

Across recent AI-related updates since Oct 2025, AvePoint has repeatedly highlighted expanded Confidence Platform capabilities, new AgentPulse features, and governance-focused research. Despite these seemingly positive milestones, same-day price moves have mostly been modest and often negative, with only the Oct 8, 2025 AI risk report showing a notable 3.04% gain. Today’s AI governance research with Omdia continues this theme of positioning AvePoint around AI data protection and operational readiness.

Key Terms

managed service providers, data governance, disaster recovery, multi-tenant, +4 more

8 terms

managed service providers technical

"examining AI readiness challenges across managed service providers (MSPs)."

Managed service providers are companies that take ongoing responsibility for running and maintaining another business’s IT, security, cloud or related functions for a regular fee, handling monitoring, updates and helpdesk support. For investors, they matter because their subscription-style contracts can create steady, predictable revenue and higher customer retention—similar to hiring a building superintendent who keeps systems running so the owner avoids surprise breakdowns and costly downtime.

data governance technical

"51% of MSPs say data governance and compliance challenges are the main obstacle"

Data governance is the set of rules and practices that ensure information is accurate, consistent, and used responsibly within an organization. It is like a well-organized library system that keeps track of all the books, making sure they are correct, easy to find, and used properly. For investors, strong data governance helps ensure that the information they rely on is trustworthy and decisions are based on reliable data.

disaster recovery technical

"91% say that integrating data backup and disaster recovery delivers stronger data"

A plan and set of actions a company uses to restore its critical systems, data, facilities and operations after a major disruption such as a natural disaster, cyberattack or infrastructure failure. Investors care because strong disaster recovery reduces the chance of prolonged downtime, unexpected costs and lost revenue — like a business’s emergency backup and repairs that protect value, reputation and future cash flow.

multi-tenant technical

"governance across multi-tenant environments, transforming manual work into automated"

A multi-tenant system is software or a cloud service where a single instance runs and stores data for multiple separate customers—called tenants—while keeping each tenant’s data and settings logically isolated. Think of it like an apartment building: residents share the same structure and services but have private units. Investors care because multi-tenancy typically enables lower costs, faster scaling and steady recurring revenue, while raising issues around security, customization and operational risk.

shadow AI technical

"As shadow AI accelerates risk, MSPs must move beyond isolated point solutions"

Shadow AI describes employees using artificial intelligence tools or services without formal approval, oversight, or integration into official systems — for example, personal subscriptions, free web apps, or browser add-ons. For investors this matters because these hidden tools can expose sensitive data, create compliance or legal problems, produce unreliable results, and lead to unexpected costs or reputational damage, much like an unapproved gadget in a factory that creates safety and billing surprises.

compliance services regulatory

"Omdia projects that compliance services will grow 21% for MSPs in 2026"

Compliance services are professional programs and tasks that help a company follow laws, industry rules and reporting requirements—covering things like internal policies, employee training, audits, monitoring and regulatory filings. For investors, they matter because good compliance reduces the risk of fines, legal trouble and surprises that can hurt profits or reputation; think of them as a company’s rulebook keeper and safety inspection that helps protect value and steady operations.

managed security services technical

"With the global managed security services market projected to reach $106 billion"

Managed security services are when a company hires an outside specialist to run and monitor its cybersecurity functions—like watching for hacks, responding to incidents, and maintaining protective tools—so the company does not have to do all that work itself. For investors, this matters because it can lower the chance of costly breaches, turn unpredictable security spending into a steadier cost, and affect a company’s operational stability and regulatory compliance, similar to hiring a professional security team to guard a building.

automation technical

"94% of MSPs indicate commitment to automation around AI data readiness"

Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, often replacing manual work with machines or software. It matters to investors because it can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enable faster decision-making, potentially leading to higher profits and competitive advantages for businesses.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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MSPs want greater platform integration as AI accelerates; 49% want a complete and integrated platform, and 91% want integrated backup and recovery

• 51% of MSPs say data governance and compliance challenges are the main obstacle to AI adoption

• AvePoint Confidence Platform – Elements Edition enables MSPs to operationalize governance through unified data protection and automation

JERSEY CITY, N.J., April 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AvePoint (Nasdaq: AVPT; SGX: AVP), the global leader in AI data protection, unifying data security, governance, and resilience, today announced findings from new research conducted by Omdia, examining AI readiness challenges across managed service providers (MSPs). The global study, "The Road to AI Readiness: Unlocking the MSP AI Opportunity Through Governance," reveals significant gaps in end-customer AI-readiness, even as more companies adopt AI tools at scale.

With Omdia forecasting the global partner opportunity tied to AI services will reach $276 billion by 2030, the stakes for MSPs have never been higher, yet new research shows that governance and compliance remain the primary barrier preventing customers from getting there.

"Governance has become the primary barrier preventing customer AI adoption," said Scott Sacket, SVP, Global Partner Strategy, AvePoint. "MSPs need unified data protection platforms that standardize governance across multi-tenant environments, transforming manual work into automated, repeatable services. Those who operationalize governance will capture significant market opportunity."

Governance Emerges as Primary AI Adoption Barrier

The research identifies governance and compliance as the most frequently cited barrier to AI adoption for MSP customers, with 51% of providers pointing to these challenges as the primary obstacle. This surpasses technical concerns including data and security management (14%), value realization (14%), and technical expertise gaps (13%), underscoring that AI readiness challenges are fundamentally operational rather than technological.

MSPs Want Better Integration for Stronger Data Protection and Governance

The market continues to move away from point solutions as MSPs search for and adopt frameworks that can address end-customer needs comprehensively.

According to the study, nearly half (49%) of MSPs want a complete platform integrated with other core tools, while 91% say that integrating data backup and disaster recovery delivers stronger data governance than offering them separately. As AI adoption grows, end-customer governance issues are becoming more urgent, which is driving demand for better-integrated partner-facing and customer-facing technology.

The Intent-Execution Gap in AI Readiness

While 94% of MSPs indicate commitment to automation around AI data readiness and compliance services, only 43% report having reached high maturity in delivering AI-ready data environments to customers, meaning that more than half are unable to deliver these services at scale. This disparity reveals that governance is being priced and positioned as a recurring capability, but operational execution remains inconsistent across the MSP market, creating challenges for effective data protection at scale.

Multi-Tenant Complexity Constrains Automation at Scale

For MSPs that have not fully automated customer data protection and compliance services, operational complexity across environments is the leading barrier to implementing automation (40% of this group listed operational complexity as the top barrier). The research reveals that each customer tenant introduces configuration differences, policy drift, and integration challenges that limit the effectiveness of standardized workflows. As one MSP executive noted in qualitative interviews, "We could build automations for every single one of our clients, but we'd have to do it 700 times."

Compliance Services Growth Projected at 21% for 2026

Despite execution challenges, the commercial case for governance and data protection services remains robust. Omdia projects that compliance services will grow 21% for MSPs in 2026, driven by regulatory requirements, audit cycles, and customer expectations for continuous compliance.

"The message from this research is clear: one of the bottlenecks for end-customer AI adoption today is the operational burden of data governance and compliance, which has become more complex and essential as AI continues to spread,” said Robin Ody, Practice Leader, MSP Analysis, Omdia. “With the global managed security services market projected to reach $106 billion this year, MSPs are increasingly involved in breaking these bottlenecks. This report shows there is still a lot of untapped opportunity in this section of the market. MSPs that adopt business solution and vertical-specific approaches to governance and compliance are going to excel at capturing this demand.”

Operational Imperatives for Scaling AI Readiness

The research identifies three operational imperatives for MSPs seeking to close the intent-execution gap:

• Standardization: Repeatable governance frameworks and shared policy baselines reduce variability at the source, enabling consistent data protection delivery and compliance across customer environments.
• Multi-Tenant Visibility: Centralized oversight allows MSPs to detect drift, enforce policy changes, and monitor compliance posture without manual intervention per tenant.
• Unified Data Protection Controls:  As shadow AI accelerates risk, MSPs must move beyond isolated point solutions to integrated platforms that connect policy enforcement, reporting, remediation, and documentation across the governance lifecycle.
  

Methodology

The research combines quantitative survey data from 333 global MSPs across North America, EMEA, and APAC with qualitative interviews of MSP executives and operational leaders. The study assessed governance and compliance service packaging, automation maturity, scaling challenges, and vendor enablement needs. To access the full report, visit: https://www.avepoint.com/ebooks/ai-opportunity-governance-msp-research.

About AvePoint: 
 
AvePoint is the global leader in data protection, unifying data security, governance, and resilience to provide a trusted foundation for AI. More than 28,000 customers rely on the AvePoint Confidence Platform to secure, govern, and rapidly recover data across Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, and other cloud environments. With a single platform for lifecycle control, multicloud governance, and rapid recovery paired with clear ownership across the business, we prevent overexposure and sprawl, modernize legacy and fragmented data, and minimize data loss and interruption. Our global partner ecosystem includes approximately 6,000 MSPs, VARs, and SIs, and our solutions are available in over 100 cloud marketplaces. To learn more, visit www.avepoint.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements: 

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws including statements regarding the future performance of and market opportunities for AvePoint. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which AvePoint operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting AvePoint’s business and changes in AvePoint’s ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and ability to identify and realize additional opportunities, and the risk of downturns in the market and the technology industry. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of AvePoint’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Copies of this and other documents filed by AvePoint from time to time are available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. This filing identifies and addresses other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and AvePoint does not assume any obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. AvePoint does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this press release to the terms “AvePoint,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to AvePoint, Inc. and its subsidiaries. 

Disclosure Information: 
AvePoint uses the https://www.avepoint.com/ir website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. 

Investor Contact 
AvePoint 
Jamie Arestia 
ir@avepoint.com 
(551) 220-5654 

Media Contact 
AvePoint 
Nicole Caci 
pr@avepoint.com 
(201) 201-8143 

FAQ

What did AvePoint (AVPT) report about AI adoption barriers among MSPs on April 9, 2026?

Governance and compliance are the leading barrier, cited by 51% of MSPs. According to the company, this surpasses technical concerns and highlights operational challenges blocking customer AI adoption at scale.

How many MSPs want integrated platforms and backup according to AvePoint (AVPT) research?

Nearly half (49%) want a complete integrated platform and 91% favor integrated backup/recovery. According to the company, these preferences drive demand for unified data protection and governance.

What execution gap did AvePoint (AVPT) identify for MSP AI readiness in the April 2026 research?

Although 94% commit to automation, only 43% report high maturity delivering AI-ready data environments. According to the company, this intent-execution gap limits MSPs' ability to scale governance services.

What market growth figures did the AvePoint (AVPT) research highlight for MSP compliance services?

Omdia projects compliance services for MSPs to grow 21% in 2026. According to the company, regulatory demand and audit cycles are key drivers of near-term revenue growth in compliance offerings.

How large is the partner opportunity tied to AI services noted by AvePoint (AVPT)?

The research cites a $276 billion global partner opportunity by 2030. According to the company, this figure underscores significant long-term commercial potential for MSPs that operationalize governance.