Making Endpoint Security Profitable for MSPs

MSPs constantly strive to add service lines that that boost profitability. Sometomes, endpoint security hasn’t made the list of a service provider’s most lucrative offerings, however. MSPs usually provide endpoint security because their customers demand protection, not because it represents an important source of income. Indeed, antivirus products often prove time-consuming and expensive to install and maintain — not a formula for high margins.

Webroot, however, makes endpoint security an item MSPs can move to the profit side of the ledger. Essentially, Webroot’s cloud-based security solutions have taken much of the cost out of the endpoint security job. Here’s how:

Lighter Technology Footprint: Numerous solutions continue to revolve around on-premise technology. With such products, the administrative component of the endpoints security solution runs on a dedicated server at the customer’s location. The client software running on every customer endpoint device tends to be rather hefty, since the software includes an anti-malware signature database. Install footprints in excess of 500 MB are not uncommon, according to Webroot’s new whitepaper, Lowering MSP TCO for Endpoint Security Solutions.

Webroot SecureAnywhere cloud-based approach, on the other hand, helps MSPs boost the profitability of endpoint security. For one, MSPs avoid the cost of deploying and maintaining hardware at the customer’s site. The cloud approach also eliminates the need for bulky software installations on the client side. Webroot employs a lightweight client of less than 1 MB. That’s because the company maintains its signature database in the cloud, rather than within the client software. The result: speedier installation, better protection and faster scanning. Scans typically complete in few seconds, reducing an MSP’s labor costs and boosting productivity and uptime. 

Reduction in Labor-Intensive Activities: With conventional endpoint software, an MSP must periodically download signature updates from the security vendor. Once downloaded, the MSP then needs to schedule the installation of those signatures from the dedicated server to the endpoint devices at the customer’s location. This distribution process eats into an MSP’s time. Webroot’s signature database, operating in the cloud, eliminates this labor-intensive task.

Efficient, Web-based Management: MSPs manage Webroot’s endpoint products through a web-based console. A service provider can log into the console from any location and view its entire IT environment. This is a huge advantage of MSPs with numerous clients and a multitude of endpoint devices. Compare this approach to a traditional endpoint solution, which compels an MSP to log into each client’s administrator console separately. Managing individual, dedicated security infrastructures wastes time and drives up cost.

Webroot further enhances centralized administration as it links to remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools. Specifically, SecureAnywhere solutions integrate with LabTech and Kaseya, both popular RMM platforms.

Return To Profitability

Webroot’s cloud orientation eliminates the expense of dedicated servers, streamlines time-consuming processes and enables efficient management practices.  For MSPs, this approach elevates endpoint security from loss leader to profit opportunity. With Webroot, service providers can also look forward to offering customer an improved level of security, which will be the subject of the next guest blog.

Learn more about Webroot’s MSP Partner Program!