The challenge, Lippie said, is that many managed service providers are facing the "fatigue of transition." Yet another transition seems daunting, especially if the business is going well. However, Lippie said the market transition will only accelerate, so MSPs should always keep an eye down the road for whatever transitions may come.

"What people don’t realize is that many times the end comes faster when it's at the end," Lippie said.

Lippie said he is seeing some MSPs already starting to adopt the total solution provider model he predicts. Under his Clarity Channel Advisors program, which launched last September to help MSPs evolve their business models and work in peer groups, Lippie said he has seen the transition begin first hand. He urged MSPs to reevaluate their businesses and make sure they are positioning themselves for the future.

"I think that once they hit the cliff it's straight down and it will come fast. That’s why people need to make decisions quicker and really move with a sense of urgency toward the future," Lippie said.