Most MSSPs and some MSPs are moving fast into the managed detection and response (MDR) security market. Now, an MDR wakeup call has arrived for the rest of the IT channel.
Indeed, former Microsoft Channel Chief Gavriella Schuster has joined the board of Open Systems, according to ChannelE2E. To be clear: This is a board-level position rather than a day-to-day strategic alliances position. But don't underestimate Schuster's potential impact within Open Systems, in the MDR security market, and out across the broader IT channel.
Open Systems MDR Focus Plus Gavriella Schuster's Alliance Knowledge
Open Systems provides MDR, SASE (secure access service edge) and XDR (eXtended detection and response) service plans. Those security acronyms have gone mainstream with MSSPs, but are still emerging in some corners of the broader IT channel.
So, how can Open Systems hasten MDR adoption across the IT channel and up into the enterprise? The answer may involve Schuster's know how. Don't forget: When much of the traditional IT channel was holding firm to on-premises servers and client-server licenses, it was Schuster and a team of Microsoft executives who pressed forward with cloud-oriented partner programs that extended from the SMB sector up into enterprise accounts.
Fast forward to present day, and thousands of VARs and MSPs are looking to extend beyond traditional endpoint protection and backup software. For many of those companies, their next logical move is MDR services.
Empowering More MDR Partners
Admittedly, most leading MSSPs are already in the MDR market. Also, security-driven MSPs are jumping into the sector. But the broader IT channel will need to partner up to gain MDR capabilities and/or extend those capabilities to end-customers.
With Schuster's guidance, it's a safe bet Open Systems could find new ways to engage and empower those partners. But there's plenty of competition in the MDR market. For instance:
- Gartner’s 2021 Market Guide for MDR Services points to 40 companies that offer credible MDR capabilities — up from about 20 companies in 2018.
- Also, MSP-friendly MDR providers such as Blackpoint Cyber, Huntress, Netsurion and Stellar Cyber have gained critical mass with MSSPs and MSPs.
Still, Schuster's arrival on the Open Systems' board is a potential landmark moment -- for the company, the broader MDR market, and the IT channel. Stay tuned.
