Continuum's buyout of CARVIR, confirmed today, further differentiates the MSP-centric technology company from traditional rivals like ConnectWise, Datto, Kaseya and SolarWinds MSP, ChannelE2E believes.
No doubt, each of those companies are pushing hard into the managed security services market. But most of the efforts involve ISV (independent software vendor) technology integrations or endpoint security technology alliances.
Those are all worthwhile efforts. But Continuum is tackling the security opportunity in a different way. Indeed, the company is leveraging its decade-long experience as a NOC (network operations center) provider to build SOC (security operations center) and related services for MSPs to leverage in the SMB (small and midsize business) sector.
Related:
Continuum Security: An MSP Differentiator?
Continuum unveiled its security strategy in November 2017 during the company's Navigate conference. The news set the stage for extensive beta testing and the recent commercial launch of various SOC and related "Profile and Protect" services. Those services allow MSPs to define, adhere to and determine how their current services are protecting their clients against common attack vectors, such as phishing and ransomware, the company says.
The CARVIR acquisition introduces new services to Continuum's catalog. They include:
Continuum's Existing Rivals
Of course, Continuum's traditional rivals aren't standing still. Among the recent and potential moves to watch...
The key takeaway: All of the major companies above are pushing hard into security, helping partners to safeguard customer assets with various tools, training and technologies. But to the best of my knowledge, Continuum is the only company among the group above striving to build and own a complete SOC (security operations center) for MSPs to leverage worldwide.
Continuum: Emerging SOC Rivals and Challenges
The Continuum journey won't be easy. Many companies now offer SOCs or related services to MSPs. Among the companies to watch:
Still, I haven't seen a de facto market leader emerge. Why? Perhaps the answers involve variables like technology diversity within customer settings. Also, MSPs need financial models that effectively reward both the SOC vendor and the MSP -- at a price point that end-customers find appealing.
Nevertheless, Continuum CEO Michael George is upbeat. He points to the company's decade-long experience offering NOC (network operations center) services to MSPs. The learnings from that sector bode will for the company's current security journey with MSPs, he adds.
