Stonesoft brings managed security to mass channel

Network security vendor unveils MSSP programme

Stonesoft has launched a programme designed to enable smaller resellers to leap into the managed security services game with no upfront investment.

The network security vendor's MSSP programme allows resellers to provide the Stonesoft Management Centre with a pay-as-you-grow pricing structure.

No upfront investment is needed as the reseller pays Stonesoft only at the end of the year once clients have already been won.

Ash Patel, UK country manager at Stonesoft, said: "This offering gives the reseller, no matter what size, the tools to offer a high level of security to the customer but without having to put their hand in their pocket on day one."

Patel claimed SMBs are increasingly demanding enterprise-level security. With the economic climate also forcing them to cut resources, this has created the perfect storm for adoption of managed security solutions, he argued.

Patel said Stonesoft already has a handful of MSSP partners, including Network Defence, MDNX, Link-Connect and Nviron – that have made the upfront investment themselves.

"This brings it down to a greater audience as you do not need to put hundreds of thousands of pounds on the table to make it happen," he said.

Four UK resellers have already signed up to the programme, Patel added.