Choosing WatchGuard cyber security technology is an easy decision to make. The network security experts have proven to be industry leaders in cutting-edge products.
What can be more tricky is finding the right cyber security provider to manage your WatchGuard solutions. More and more IT businesses are identifying as managed security service providers (MSSPs) and, inevitably, there will be the good, the bad and the plain ugly among them.
That variety in service will also extend to their skills implementing and working with WatchGuard.
So, What Should You Look For in a WatchGuard Managed Security Services Partner?
Fortunately, when it comes to finding a provider to help you implement WatchGuard, there’s a simple way to navigate the ever-growing list of MSSPs.
Choose a WatchGuard accredited provider.
WatchGuard partners are awarded Silver, Gold and Platinum status. As a partner, they can resell WatchGuard products and services and are likely to have the skills required to implement and manage your WatchGuard security set-up.
However, we’d advice you to go further than merely finding a WatchGuard accredited business. As part of your due diligence, ask the five following questions. The answers should help you decide if a provider is going to help you get the most out of WatchGuard products and offer the rock-solid security your business deserves.
1. Does the Provider Have WatchGuard Consultancy Experience?
There’s a vast difference between selling a product and selling the right product. You’ll want your provider to undertake a detailed assessment of your needs before talking too much about products.
What to look out for: Talk to the provider. Are they asking YOU a lot of questions before moving on to the product? You’ll want to know if they undertake a period of consultancy before suggesting solutions. (If they explicitly offer consultancy among their IT services, all the better.)
2. What’s Their Managed Security Track Record Like?
Does the provider have a track record of successfully delivering managed security services, with positive feedback from clients?
What to look out for: Cyber security case studies and testimonials. A high volume of successful projects is a good sign.
3. Do They Specialise in Cyber Security?
You won’t want a generalist IT provider for cyber security services.
What to look out for: Choose a partner who understands security. Intersys can ensure you’re getting the best value out of your WatchGuard product, by connecting you to security experts who can help you implement features such as IPS, content inspection, and web filtering.
4. Are They Big on Delighting Clients?
Don’t just focus on technical aptitude. Your provider’s approach to customer service and client fulfilment is going to play a major part in the success – or failure – of your relationship.
What to look out for: Evidence of customer service training. Also, fast pick up on your initial enquiry and a seamless interaction putting you in touch with a security expert.
5. Are they straight-talking on price?
Don’t take the price at face value. You should do your homework to ensure pricing is transparent and clearly details what it does and doesn’t include.
What to look out for: A service level agreement itemising everything included in the service. If in doubt, assume nothing and ask – in writing – for clarification. If you have to dig too deeply for that clarification, look elsewhere.
Intersys offers cyber security services to organisations of all sizes, from blue chip companies to SMEs. We are a WatchGuard Gold Partner and can provide consultancy to help you choose the right cyber security products and ongoing support to keep you safe, 24/7.