Security software firm Sophos today announced the launch of a synchronized platform and partner program aimed at helping managed service providers (MSPs) simplify security management for customers.

The Sophos MSP Connect Partner Program allows MSPs to manage security solutions across all customer endpoints, servers, network, web and email, from a centralized platform called Sophos Central.

Sophos Central, previously known as Sophos Cloud, enables users to take advantage of favorable aggregate pricing on the full range of Sophos security products.
“This gives MSPs the ability to provide security products that are not going to require significant investment to use and deliver,” Scott Barlow, vice president of global MSP for Sophos, told MSPmentor.

The Sophos Central-Partner dashboard integrates with various professional services automation (PSA) and remote monitoring and management (RMM) software.

“MSPs benefit from aggregate licensing models and with Sophos, they will also benefit from more effective synchronized security,” Barlow said. “The Sophos Central-Partner dashboard will enable MSPs to manage security for endpoint, mobile, network, email, web, wireless and data privacy solutions in a single pane of glass, which is absolutely essential when business owners and employees are working in and out of the office with multiple devices.”

“The intelligence sharing and automated response to incidents through our Security Heartbeat technology enables partners to more efficiently provide uninterrupted world-class service to protect and defend against threats,” he said. “All of this is available through flexible billing models that are easy for MSPs to implement and designed for greater profitability.”

The program allows qualified MSPs to register for MSP Connect Flex billing, which includes term licensing, aggregate billing in arrears, and a dedicated technical account manager.

“Sophos’ MSP Connect simplifies the delivery of security technology and services in ways that MSPs of all sizes should value,” said Scott Crawford, who heads research for the Information Security practice at 451 Research.

“Partners can enhance customer satisfaction while reaching prospects more efficiently with technology that breaks down silos across multiple products,” he said. “MSP Connect’s inclusion of Sophos’ Synchronized Security helps to set the program apart, showcasing one of the few security portfolios to actually integrate functionality across both endpoint and network solutions.”

Sophos sells exclusively through its 15,000 resellers worldwide. MSP partners can receive sales consulting training and certification, co-branded marketing assets, dashboard training and 24/7 support.

“In order to grow, my team needs to leverage vendors like Sophos with security solutions that protect against all vulnerabilities, whether in the network, on the endpoint, in the cloud or wherever an end user may travel with their mobile device,” said Karl Bickmore of partner Snap Tech IT, a Tempe, Ariz.-based MSP.

“With Sophos MSP Connect, we can also focus on and expand into vertical markets, as well as have the peace of mind that we are deploying the most advanced security available,” he said. “This lets us build solid, trustworthy relationships and continue to provide invaluable advisory services for our customers.” 

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