Webroot continues to double down on the IT channel, with a particular emphasis on MSPs (managed services providers) and machine learning technologies. With those goals in mind, the endpoint security company has hired Neil Stratz as senior VP of worldwide business sales, and Chad Bacher as senior VP of product strategy and technology alliances.
Stratz is responsible for sales and partnerships in Webroot's global business segments with a focus on channel and managed service providers (MSPs), the company said. He previously held key positions at Proofpoint, NetCitadel, Juniper Networks, CA Technologies, Wily Technology and Informix Software (which IBM acquired).
Bacher, meanwhile, will oversee the company's product strategy, including product management, product marketing functions and technology alliances, Webroot said. This is his second tour of duty with the company. He's also held key positions at Malwarebytes and Abacus and Schwinn Cycling & Fitness.
MSP Alliances, Machine Learning
No doubt, Stratz and Bacher will continue to build on Webroot's current strategy, which has involved a healthy dose of MSP alliances coupled with big data systems and machine learning technologies that improve security.
For instance, Webroot has a close relationship with Continuum Managed Services, which offers RMM (remote monitoring and management), NOC (network operations center) and BDR (Backup and Disaster Recovery) services to MSPs. Through that relationship, Webroot's security technology allows thousands of MSPs to safeguard small business networks from malware and other threats.
Webroot has also worked closely with a range of PSA (professional services automation) and peer group organizations (such as HTG) in the MSP channel.
Webroot has also been active in the machine learning world, building a cloud-based system that gathers information from customer end-points, and then adjusts accordingly to emerging threats. CTO Hal Lonas explained the system and the strategy in ChannelE2E Podcast 052.
Of course, Webroot faces plenty of competition in the world of IT security -- especially as more and more vendors pursue MSPs and/or develop machine learning capabilities.
