NetWatcher was a recent sponsor at the MSPWorld Conference in Las Vegas. We wanted to find out more about what they are trying to accomplish in the managed services channel.
Who is NetWatcher?
NetWatcher is a world-class cyber threat monitoring service designed to help MSPs become MSSPs. We provide a 24×7 security monitoring service that fit the needs of SMBs and gives them peace of mind knowing their network is constantly being monitored for potential threats.
What makes NetWatcher Unique?
There are 3 things currently and a few surprises in the coming months. Currently we offer our patent pending “Active Traffic Redirection” where you can plug in our sensor to your customers switch or router and it just starts working—this is just one of our installation methods. The second thing is our user profiles—we have profiles for business users, help desk professionals and security analysts –so depending on who you are we will make the service work for you. The third thing is that NetWatcher also does a great job managing network assets. Coming soon you will see the ability to install our sensor in the cloud, the ability to have bandwidth analytics, full active scanning and end point technology.
How is NetWatcher being used by MSPs today?
- We have partners that install the sensor on the networks of their customers. This gives them a quick situational awareness picture of the environment (malware, hygiene, assets etc.). During the engagement the customer is usually so impressed by the tool that they leave the sensor behind as an upsell/cross sell on their current contract. This gives the MSPs a new annuity stream that they have not had in the past.
- With MSPs that own the hardware, software and support relationship with their customers we are a great tool/service to add to their offering. We essentially turn MSPs like this into Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs). This gives the MSP a deeper relationship with their customers as it takes them from a supplier that cares about the technology risks of their clients to worrying about the business risk of their customer. Because we do continuous monitoring we also find that our MSP partners get involved in additional services such as remediation and compliance as a service reporting.
In terms of profiling the ideal channel partner, what type of MSP would be able to effectively use NetWatcher?
- MSPs that are interested in adding a security practice because we essentially turn an MSP into and MSSP.
- MSPs that already have a managed firewall service but want to add more complex/strategic services to that same portfolio.
- MSPs that are worried that their services are being commoditized by cloud providers and want to get into a more strategic (business risk) relationship with their customers.
What types of margins can MSPs expect when partnering with NetWathcer?
- Our service is $299 a month if a customer pays 1 year up front and $399 a month if the customer pays monthly.
- All of our channel partners receive 20% of the revenue for the entire life of the contract. Beyond that, we provide our channel partners with the opportunity to markup the price as they see fit.
If MSPs want to learn more about NetWatcher where should they go?
- MSPs can visit our new website at netwatcher.com/partners to learn more about NetWatcher.