SAM ISMAIL explains the opportunities that exist for channel partners in cybersecurity , and how they can make a difference for their enterprise customer , the evolving technology and threat landscape , and what aspects of his job role he finds rewarding and which aspects , challenging .

Forescout delivers cybersecurity automation across the digital terrain , maintaining continuous alignment of customers ’ security frameworks with their digital realities , including all asset types – IT , OT , IoT , IoMT . With Forescout , customers are armed with data-powered intelligence to accurately detect risks and remediate cyberthreats without disruption of critical business assets .

What are the strengths and abilities that you bring to this role ?

Ismail has over 20 years of information technology experience , which include four years in the channel and 12 years in direct sales . During this time , he has held several leadership roles at companies such as EMC , Imperva , Red Hat , and Syncplicity . This experience has helped Ismail develop and refine his leadership skills , which have helped him excel at establishing and maintaining relationships with Forescout ’ s channel partners and customers in region . Ismail ’ s experience working in the industry has helped him understand the needs and challenges being faced by

Forescout ’ s customers . This skillset is critical for Forescout in building its reputation in region and gaining trust with its channel partners and customers .

Please describe the opportunities and challenges that exist for channel partners in your market ?

Forescout ’ s customers are faced with an ever-evolving threat landscape , which can make it difficult for them to keep pace with security threats . This presents significant opportunities for channel partners in region to help provide organisations with the solutions they need to minimise their attack surface and exposure .

In addition to an evolving threat landscape , organisations are faced with a growing labour shortage , leaving security operations centre teams more strapped than ever before . Channel partners who offer security automation platforms can help customers address this talent shortage and growing number of threats .

Which technologies and innovations can make a difference to channel market dynamics in the near future ?

Security automation platforms that continuously share device context , automate workflows , and accelerate responses can make a significant difference in helping the channel market address these challenges soon for their customers . These platforms give SOC teams more time to focus on what requires human intervention and free up human workers to focus on higher value tasks .

Sam Ismail , Director of Channel and Sales , Middle East , Africa , and Turkey , Forescout

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