SolarWinds has acquired Trusted Metrics, a provider of real-time threat monitoring and management software, and security operations center (SOC) technology, the companies confirmed this morning.
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As a result of the SolarWinds deal, the company is launching SolarWinds Threat Monitor for IT operations teams, MSPs and MSSPs. According to the launch statement:
"Threat Monitor can detect suspicious activity and malware by aggregating asset data, security events, host intrusion detection, network intrusion detection, and correlating that data with continuously updated threat intelligence, identifying the danger signals amidst all the innocent noise of a normal network."
SolarWinds: Easing SOC Deployments for MSPs, MSSPs?
SolarWinds is also trying to disrupt the traditional SOC software market, which often includes expensive, far-flung products that are difficult to integrate. The company claims Threat Monitor is "tightly-integrated, automated and priced to be within reach for most companies and service providers."
Numerous SOC-focused companies are striving to engage MSPs and MSSPs. Key names to know include Arctic Wolf Networks, Continuum, CyFlare, CyberBit and ChannelSOC.
This is the latest in a growing list of M&A deals that SolarWinds has completed. The company's SolarWinds MSP business unit now features a range of RMM, backup and IT monitoring solutions for MSPs. There are also signs that the company is ramping up for a potential IPO later this year.
MSP Software Companies: Security Land Grab
In the MSP software sector, SolarWinds competes most directly against ConnectWise, Continuum, Datto and Kaseya. Each of those companies has been introducing or acquiring more security services and/or solutions for their MSP partner ecosystems. Recent examples include:
- ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini met with MSPs and MSSPs during a closed door meeting at the recent Automation Nation 2018 conference in Orlando. He vowed to help partners automate their security services to drive down the cost of delivering such offerings.
- Continuum recently acquired CARVIR, a SOC provider and master MSSP that works closely with MSP partners.
- Datto has been developing a unified threat management (UTM) appliance, and the company is in the market looking to make more security moves.
- Kaseya has doubled down on its AuthAnvil offerings.
Meanwhile, numerous security companies have been building MSP- and MSSP-centric partner programs. Key companies making moves include AlienVault, Cylance, SonicWall and Sophos, among others.
