Network Access Control: Hot Managed Security Service?

For the third time in recent days, a technology company is promoting Network Access Control (NAC) as a managed security service. The latest examples involve separate efforts from NetClarity, Bradford Networks and ForeScout each making NAS moves. So, is NAC part of an accelerating managed security services trend?

NetClarity unveiled its effort at the D&H SMB Partner Summit on Nov. 2. Benefits, according to NetClarity, include:

• Low initial investment in NACwall equipment and monthly lease options;
• a complete network security offering that can be deployed in a matter of minutes;
• secure control of all remote customer appliances via a built-in command center;
• the ability to add new customers in less than one hour by deploying NACwall;
• no new switches or equipment to purchase; and
• management of all network environments, devices and operating systems.

The traditional on-premise NAC market suffered a "blood bath" during the credit crunch of 2008, according to Infonetics Research. But in September 2011, Infonetics predicted the SaaS portion of managed security would double from 2011 through 2015. By 2015, Infonetics predicted, cloud-based managed security services will represent 46 percent of the market, up from 38 percent in 2010.

Still, the SaaS-based NAC market is getting crowded. Bradford Networks, with an assist from recent recruit Amy Luby, announced a managed services effort last week; it's built from the ground up for the cloud and doesn't require on-premise equipment, Luby asserted. Also, ForeScout last week launched CounterACT for cloud hosting providers and managed service providers.

Plenty of additional rivals are in the NAC market... MSPs have plenty of options. We'll be watching to see if a de facto market leader emerges.

Additional insights from Joe Panettieri.