Source: helpnetsecurity.com | Originally published: September 9, 2019
Overview
OPAQ Networks, a cloud-based network security provider, and Ingram Micro, a global technology distribution and supply chain services company, announced a global distribution agreement to make the OPAQ cloud platform available through Ingram Micro’s extensive channel network. The deal gives resellers and managed service providers a straightforward path to offering enterprise-grade network security-as-a-service (NaaS) without requiring their customers to build or maintain on-premises security infrastructure.
What the Agreement Covers
Under the terms of the agreement, both Ingram Micro and its subsidiary Cloud Harmonics will distribute the OPAQ cloud platform to their global network of channel partners. This includes:
- Value-Added Resellers (VARs) looking to add a differentiated security offering to their portfolio
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs) seeking scalable, centrally managed security services
- Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) that need a multi-tenant platform to serve multiple customer environments from a single console
What Is the OPAQ Cloud Platform?
OPAQ’s platform is designed to deliver network security as a fully managed cloud service, removing the burden of acquiring, staffing, and operating best-of-breed security tools in-house. Key characteristics of the platform include:
- Broad coverage: Protects on-premises and off-premises endpoints, mobile devices, IoT assets, multi-cloud environments, branch offices, and legacy systems.
- Single management console: Solution providers can centrally manage all customer security policies and telemetry from one cloud-based interface, reducing operational complexity.
- Security-as-a-service delivery: Rather than selling security appliances or perpetual licenses, channel partners can deliver recurring, subscription-based security services.
- Scalable architecture: The platform is positioned for both small and large organizations, with the stated goal of delivering Fortune 100-grade capabilities at scale.
OPAQ holds patents on its core approach to cloud-delivered network security, and the company was recognized as one of CRN’s 2019 Emerging Vendors at the time of this announcement.
Why This Matters for MSPs and MSSPs
One of the persistent challenges for small and mid-sized managed service providers is the cost and complexity of assembling an enterprise-grade security stack. Acquiring individual best-of-breed tools—next-generation firewalls, secure web gateways, DNS filtering, endpoint detection—and integrating them requires significant capital investment and specialized staff.
A cloud-native NaaS model like OPAQ’s shifts that burden away from the individual MSP. Instead of building and maintaining the underlying security infrastructure, partners consume it as a service and focus on delivering outcomes to their end customers. The Ingram Micro distribution agreement dramatically expands OPAQ’s reach by making this model immediately accessible to service providers in major global markets through a distributor they already work with.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
Eric Kohl, Vice President of Security, Ingram Micro:
“OPAQ expands our solutions portfolio, providing our channel partners with an enterprise-grade security solution that is consumed as a service, and extends from the core to the edge. Today’s solution providers and MSPs demand easy-to-use and effective tools to secure their customers’ networks. We are pleased to bring OPAQ to market with Cloud Harmonics to bring new and emerging security technologies to our channel partners.”
Glenn C. Hazard, Chairman & CEO, OPAQ:
“Ingram Micro’s global footprint and deep resources are making the OPAQ Cloud accessible overnight to service providers in the world’s top markets. This strategic alliance gives Ingram Micro solution providers access to a fully integrated security-as-a-service platform designed to deliver enterprise-grade protection for any size customer without investing in security infrastructure. With the OPAQ cloud platform, solution providers can deliver high-demand, differentiated services and accelerate revenue growth.”
Key Takeaways for DevOps and Infrastructure Teams
- Cloud-delivered network security is increasingly viable for organizations that lack the in-house resources to operate complex security stacks.
- Distribution agreements like this one accelerate adoption by embedding new security platforms into existing procurement and channel workflows.
- The MSP and MSSP channel is a key delivery vehicle for security-as-a-service, especially for mid-market and SMB organizations that rely on managed providers rather than dedicated internal security teams.
- Multi-cloud and hybrid environments with IoT and legacy systems are among the most difficult to secure consistently—platforms that claim unified coverage across all of these surfaces warrant careful evaluation during proof-of-concept testing.