FUTURE TECHNOLOGY
Dynamics of managed services as a channel business
The role of managed services extends beyond infrastructure management and is all about delivering agility, efficiency, resilience in IT operations. In the data-driven age, businesses rely on managed services to ensure seamless storage, security, cloud operations without the complexity of in-house management. Technology components remain the backbone of managed services. Executives from Check Point Software, Help AG, Fortinet, NetApp, share their perspectives.
Prashant Menon, Channel Leader UAE, Check Point Software Technologies
Managed Service Provider, MSP platforms are created to oversee IT infrastructure, cloud solutions and networking. MSP platforms outsource management of IT infrastructure, cloud setups and networking functions so that enterprises can concentrate on core operations without compromising efficiency and reliability. The platforms normally have remote monitoring and management, helpdesk services, automation solutions, and multi-tenant management features.
“ With rising cyber security threats, MSPs are increasingly transforming into Managed Security Service Providers, MSSPs
Scaling cybersecurity is not a solo game. with expertise in security operations,” says Prashant Menon, Channel Leader UAE, Check Point Software Technologies.
An MSSP platform is designed to help organisations secure their digital assets by providing continuous monitoring, threat detection, and incident response.
“ Businesses today face an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape, but most lack the in-house expertise, budget, or resources to effectively manage cybersecurity risks. This is where MSSPs step in,” says Sunil Sharma, Vice President, Managed Security Services, Help AG.
The purpose of an MSP or MSSP platform is to enable businesses to outsource critical IT functions. For cybersecurity, this includes things like threat detection, incident response, firewall management, SOC operations, and compliance monitoring. This approach ensures 24x7 protection, faster threat mitigation, and reduced IT workload, making security more scalable and cost-effective.
“ Not only does an MSSP platform simplify IT complexity, but it also strengthens cybersecurity by ensuring businesses stay resilient in an ever-evolving digital landscape. It is particularly valuable for companies looking to scale without the burden of expanding their internal IT teams,” says Shane Grennan, Senior Channel Director, Middle East and Türkiye, Fortinet.
The role of an MSP platform extends beyond infrastructure management. It is about delivering agility, efficiency, and resilience in IT operations. In the data-driven age, businesses rely on managed services to ensure seamless storage, security, and cloud operations without the complexity of in-house management.
“ A strong MSP platform centralises operations, enabling proactive monitoring, automated remediation, and scalable data protection,” says Walid Issa, Senior Manager, Solutions Engineering, Middle East and Africa, NetApp.
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