A robust partner program is a vital asset for managed security service providers. For Fortra’s Alert Logic, our partners have consistently been central to our go-to-market strategy.
Our partners bring valuable insights about cybersecurity, industry challenges, and market trends. With our new blog series, Alert Logic’s Partner Perspectives, we’re engaging with our partners to tap into their knowledge and expertise, fostering a deeper understanding of the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Introducing Xpert IT Services
Based in Puerto Rico, Xpert IT Services is a security, IT risk management, and compliance organization. Xpert leverages AVANT’s distributor channel with various software and service offerings. Benefits of partnering with Xpert include that they have an extensive cybersecurity knowledge base with over 20 years of practical application experience using the industry’s best practices. Alert Logic spoke with Juan Melendez, P.E., President of Xpert IT Services, to get his insights on the industry.
What key trends have you seen in cybersecurity in the last 6-12 months?
Juan Melendez (JM): The trend toward MDR outsourcing with EDR capabilities is known as the XDR Model. Managing EDR has historically been too expensive. Integrating EDR into MDR is cost-effective and comprehensive —the trend to a single-pane view console and universal multifunctional agents.
What are the most significant security challenges companies face today?
JM: Recognizing that the local/DIY security operations center (SOC) does not work, is too expensive, is not sustainable, and results in a low-security posture. We need to adopt an outsourcing model that conducts cybersecurity analytics for detections in the cloud and response and remediation in the local SOC. It is a big challenge because of the technological investment and egos involved.
What advice would you give to an organization looking to implement a new cybersecurity initiative about collaborating with a partner?
JM: Conduct an RFQ using our customer service metric scaling evaluation for the top five best MDRs in the marketplace. Select the vendor that best fits your needs and budget.
In your experience, what are the most significant benefits for businesses when working with a combined solution from Xpert and Alert Logic?
JM: We have experience conducting several successful implementations. The strong relationship between Xpert IT Services and Alert Logic allows me to bring specialized resources to the table when needed.
How does your partnership with Alert Logic contribute to a more collaborative and holistic approach to cybersecurity for clients?
JM: As an Alert Logic Partner Advisory Council (PAC) member, I bring the Alert Logic roadmap’s holistic capabilities approach to the customer.
What are some key business considerations when choosing security partners, and how does Alert Logic fit into the equation?
JM: Some of the considerations include:
- MDR Years of Services = Maturity + Service experience
- Number of SOC Analysts = Quality of service delivery (critical notification SLA < 15 minutes)
- Number of Active Clients = Market acceptance of the service and organic threat intel capacity
- G2 Grid MDR Standing = Industry recognition of the quality of the service delivery
- Pricing = In the context of quality & Value of the service
Alert Logic offers three added-value services included in the quoted MDR pricing at no additional cost:
- Deep internal and external ongoing vulnerabilities scanning with prioritization and remediation recommendations (reduce attack surface and cyber risks, increasing universal security posture)
- Online compliance reporting for PCI DSS 4.0, HITRUST, and HIPAA compliance, among others
- Integrated monitoring of SaaS and PaaS applications. For example, Office 365, CyberArk, Defender 365, and Sentinel One, among others
What exciting developments or innovations do you see for the cybersecurity industry, and how do you anticipate Alert Logic playing a role?
JM: There are several developments and innovations where I see Alert Logic being in the forefront, ahead of our competitors:
1. EDR platform integration with full functionality to cut the high costs of other vendors like Sophos and CrowdStrike
2. DNS security: Needed to stop ransomware DNS connections
3. DLP platform integration
4. Micro-segmentation software driven with the same agent
5. Deep email: Web + mobile integrated security
We’re grateful to Xpert IT Services for sharing their insights. Learn more about Alert Logic’s partner program.
