https://www.channelfutures.com/wp-content/themes/channelfutures_child/assets/images/logo/footer-new-logo.png
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Back
    • SDN/SD-WAN
    • Cloud
    • RMM/PSA
    • Security
    • Telephony/UC/Collaboration
    • Cable
    • Mobility & Wireless
    • Fiber/Ethernet
    • Data Centers
    • Backup & Disaster Recovery
    • IoT
    • Desktop
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Analytics
  • Strategy
    • Back
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Channel Research
    • Business Models
    • Distribution
    • Master Agents
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Best Practices
    • Vertical Markets
    • Regulation & Compliance
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • MSSP Insider
  • MSP 501
    • Back
    • Apply Now
    • 2020 MSP 501 Rankings
    • 2020 Hot 101 Rankings
    • 2020 MSP 501 Report
  • Intelligence
    • Back
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • From the Industry
    • Reports/Digital Issues
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Channel Educational Series
  • EMEA
  • Channel Chatter
    • Back
    • People on the Move
    • New/Changing Channel Programs
    • New Products & Services
    • Industry Honors
    • Channel Convergence
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Advisory Boards
    • Industry Organizations
    • Our Sponsors
    • Content Resources
  • Awards
    • Back
    • 2021 MSP 501
    • Circle of Excellence
    • Excellence in Digital Services
    • Top Gun 51
  • Events
    • Back
    • CP Conference & Expo
    • Channel Evolution Europe
    • Channel Partners Event Coverage
    • Webinars
    • Industry Events
  • DE&I
Channel Futures
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Back
    • SDN/SD-WAN
    • Cloud
    • RMM/PSA
    • Security
    • Telephony/UC/Collaboration
    • Cable
    • Mobility & Wireless
    • Fiber/Ethernet
    • Data Centers
    • Backup & Disaster Recovery
    • IoT
    • Desktop
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Analytics
  • Strategy
    • Back
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Channel Research
    • Business Models
    • Distribution
    • Master Agents
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Best Practices
    • Vertical Markets
    • Regulation & Compliance
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • MSSP Insider
  • MSP 501
    • Back
    • Apply Now
    • 2020 MSP 501 Rankings
    • 2020 Hot 101 Rankings
    • 2020 MSP 501 Report
  • Intelligence
    • Back
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • From the Industry
    • Reports/Digital Issues
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Channel Educational Series
  • EMEA
  • Channel Chatter
    • Back
    • People on the Move
    • New/Changing Channel Programs
    • New Products & Services
    • Industry Honors
    • Channel Convergence
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Advisory Boards
    • Industry Organizations
    • Our Sponsors
    • Content Resources
  • Awards
    • Back
    • 2021 MSP 501
    • Circle of Excellence
    • Excellence in Digital Services
    • Top Gun 51
  • Events
    • Back
    • CP Conference & Expo
    • Channel Evolution Europe
    • Channel Partners Event Coverage
    • Webinars
    • Industry Events
  • DE&I
    • Newsletter
  • REGISTER
  • MSPs
  • VARs / SIs
  • Agents
  • Cloud Service Providers
  • Channel Partners Events
 Channel Futures

Content Resources


What will IoT Mean for MSPs?

  • Written by Charles Cooper 1
  • March 4, 2016
MSPs have a potentially big role to play in the IoT movement with literally tens of billions of new devices expected to get connected to cloud networks by the end of the decade.

Someone surely could have invented a better moniker than The Internet of Things, but let’s not let awkward terminology get in the way of recognizing the implications of one of the decade’s more extraordinary tech transformations. 

Simply put, IoT is an umbrella term used to describe a fast-emerging world where a range of “things” – everything from temperature meters to vehicles to bridges communicate and exchange data over the Internet.

This nascent trend is already past the breakout stage and that promises both new opportunities as well as new challenges for managed services providers in this increasingly connected IoT world.

Some 85% of global organizations surveyed recently said they were considering IoT for their businesses. By the end of this year, about 6.4 billion IoT devices are expected to be in use with the number slated to more than double by the end of the decade.

There’s a huge opportunity for MSPs who can help companies select and build the right cloud infrastructures that store, manage and make sense of the data that will be generated by all these newly intelligent devices and sensors.

However, IoT also presents myriad new targets for attackers seeking to break into networks. While there’s no shortage of headlines about IoT security, many deployments still go forward without taking proper security measures. That becomes especially problematic as more physical objects get integrated into the cloud infrastructure.

One of the potential roadblocks is the multiplicity of IoT standards. That’s an additional challenge as companies seek to ensure that their various IoT implementations can safely communicate with backend services and infrastructures on the cloud.

The MSP map for IoT  

Taking a disciplined and methodical approach will save a lot of needless gnashing of teeth later on. Here's a simple checklist of what you need to cover when you begin mapping out your client's progression on their IoT journey.   

  • MSPs can start by discussing their clients’ readiness to move into the IoT world.
  • Examine whether security is being built in at the ground floor, starting with necessary integuments of defense such as firewalls, intrusion detection software, identity management, and antivirus software.
  • If not, fill in the gaps before the organization starts adding devices that, if improperly secured, will only jeopardize the network.

IoT security at most organizations now gets managed through the IT department, so MSPs will need to have a conversation with their opposite numbers about everything from standards to employ to choosing the right frequency for monitoring device activities. No detail is too small as any irregular feedback could indicate the presence of a breach in progress.

The road ahead

IoT's potential impact as a disruptive technology has been likened to that of the development of the Internet.  

MSPs can also bring their expertise building networks to bear on building a broader solution, which may require collaboration between manufacturers, software developers, consultants, and other partners. The larger goal will be to ensure that IoT security extends across each device, sensor, operating system, and application in the organization’s ecosystem. 

We’re in the early stages of the IoT revolution. But it will require no small amount of handholding as companies navigate their way into this next computing era.  

This content is underwritten by VMware

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: Agents Cloud Service Providers MSPs VARs/SIs Content Resources

Related


  • cybersecurity ransomware
    Ransomware: Security Solutions to Rescue Your Customers
    Ransomware has become one of the top cyber threats for small to medium enterprises. These organizations have valuable data, especially if they are in retail or healthcare, but often lack the IT budgets and resources of a large enterprise. Ransomware attacks have been so effective and devastating on unprepared organizations, they’ve frequently made front-page news. […]
  • Smart City, IoT Network
    Securing 4G and 5G Infrastructure and Services with Fortinet
    Through the use of two carrier-grade platforms, the FortiGate and FortiWeb, Fortinet enables MNOs to secure their 4G and 5G mobile infrastructure, secure a wide range of innovative enterprise use cases, provide private networks with embedded security services, and monetize their security investment with Fortinet. The use of a common set of security tools enables […]
  • XDR
    The Gorilla Guide to… Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
    In this Gorilla Guide, you’ve seen just how crucial it can be to add XDR to your security operations. XDR can transform your security posture, helping you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to finding threats, and then dealing with them. That will give you peace of mind—and when it comes to security, […]
  • XDR
    Take Control of Security Operations with Consolidation and XDR
    The early results are in. With consolidation and an effective XDR solution, organizations can greatly improve security posture and improve operational efficiency. For details on what to look for in an XDR solution, read our checklist: “Top 5 Considerations When Selecting an XDR Solution. Sponsored by:  

One comment

  1. Avatar Santosh Kotnis July 25, 2016 @ 9:12 am
    Reply

    Good article. We are
    Good article. We are currently trying to align ourselves with IOT and Cloud.

    Santosh Kotnis
    CEO, Futurism Technologies.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

-or-

Log in with your Channel Futures account

Alternatively, post a comment by completing the form below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • Why Fortinet for my MSSP?
  • Small and Mid-Size Business Security: 4 Steps to Success
  • How SMBs Can Secure Endpoints and Remote Workers for the Long Haul
  • Top 5 Considerations when Selecting an Extended Detection and Response Solution

Galleries

View all

New, Changing Partner Programs: HPE, Zoom, Fortinet, Microsoft, More

April 12, 2021

Industry Perspectives

View all

Why Every MSP Should Consider TCO When Selecting a BCDR Solution

April 9, 2021

6 Ways to Ready Your Customers for 5G Security Challenges

April 5, 2021

Endpoint Security Is Huge in the Merging New World of Work

April 2, 2021

Webinars

View all

Top 3 Intel Security Technologies To Help Against Advanced Cybercrime Attacks

April 15, 2021

What to Look For: 2021 Threat Report

April 22, 2021

Health Care and SD-WAN: A Seller’s Guide

April 27, 2021

White Papers

View all

Top Tips: How Resellers Can Leverage Rackspace to Enhance Customer’s Cyber Security Protection with Microsoft 365 Security

March 30, 2021

Top Tips: Optimize Your Microsoft 365 Investment with Rackspace Technology

March 30, 2021

The Smart Approach to Cloud Workload Placement Decisions

March 19, 2021

Upcoming Events

View all

Channel Partners Conference & Expo

November 1, 2021 - November 4, 2021

MSP Summit

November 1, 2021 - November 2, 2021

Channel Evolution Europe

November 30, 2021 - December 1, 2021

Videos and Fastchats

View all

FASTCHAT: How Fortinet Reduces Complexity Through Networking, Security

Strong Customer Experience Needs Strong Partner Experience

December 22, 2020

Happy Holidays from Channel Partners & Channel Futures!

December 21, 2020

2021 Excellence in Digital Services Awards App Open

December 9, 2020

Twitter

ChannelFutures

Our latest programs roundup includes @TCGPartners, @CloudBoltSW, @Informatica, @Claroty and @netsapiens.… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

April 12, 2021
ChannelFutures

RT @buffynaylor: https://t.co/jSLmLopfGL

April 12, 2021
ChannelFutures

RT @Craig_Galbraith: Important info here from our @EdwardGately about lingering impacts of the #MicrosoftExchange hack, plus #VMware vulner…

April 12, 2021
ChannelFutures

"Who could ask for more?? These guys bring an awesome energy and always highlight the need-to-know of the channel..… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

April 10, 2021
ChannelFutures

Anti-Asian racism, and racism and discrimination of all forms, have zero place in our society. #StopAsianHate and t… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

April 9, 2021
ChannelFutures

MSSP @inc_renaissance promotes Trish Kapos to channel chief. #cybersecurity dlvr.it/RxLQ6g https://t.co/oWCdHeRqIW

April 9, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@GetSpectrum ordered to pay @Windstream more than $19 million for deceptive mailer. #lawsuit… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

April 9, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@Percona says channel can help with #opensource solutions and #databases for everything from aspirational to must-… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

April 9, 2021

MSSP Insider

Business advice for MSSPs and news from the broader security channel.

Newsletters and Updates

Sign up for The Channel Report, Channel Futures Update, MSP 501 Newsletter and more.

Live Channel Events

Get the latest information on the next industry-leading Channel Partners event.

Galleries

Educational slide shows and images from live events.

Media Kit And Advertising

Want to reach our audience? Access our media kit.

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • Channel Partners Events
  • Telecoms.com
  • MSP 501
  • Black Hat
  • IoT World Today
  • Omdia

WORKING WITH US

  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter

FOLLOW Channel Futures ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2021 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X