95% of MSPs acknowledge that using different interfaces to manage cybersecurity reduces productivity

Managing customer security is always a challenge for MSPs as they seek to balance efficiency, cost, and high levels of protection. In this area, security managers are faced with the choice of using a single interface or switching between different solutions. An extensive survey conducted by the social research technology platform Pulse between May and July 2021 and consulting around 100 MSP executives reveals a clear preference: the majority prefer a single interface to manage their customers' security. 

A common interface is more efficient and productive  

In this survey, 95% of respondents say that maintaining multiple interfaces on the security platform decreases productivity and efficiency when managing their customers' security. This is because the manager has to adapt to a new interface each time different products are used for cybersecurity. There seems to be almost unanimous agreement among the MSP managers and teams who participated in the study that a single cybersecurity interface is more efficient and productive. 

In fact, the study shows that respondents believe that the efficiency of teams managing their customers' cybersecurity would increase by up to 10% when carried out through a single interface, removing the need to switch between different menus and screens. 

Lower costs and greater safety: the goal pursued by MSPs 

Now that it's clear that a single platform is more efficient in managing customer security, what exactly do MSPs expect from the platform when they make the leap to a unified interface? 66% of those surveyed value cost reduction first, together with the reduction of organizational complexity related to their customers' cybersecurity. They also have high expectations that a centralized platform will enable them to respond more effectively and quickly in the event of a cyberattack. 

But replacing multiple tools with a single interface also raises some cost issues among respondents, who value flexible payment options and the possibility of a subscription to cover maintenance. MSPs also attach great importance to the option of lower prices and discounts if they take the step of replacing multiple platforms with a single pane of glass.  

What are the benefits of a unified interface? 

Respondents are clear about the benefits and, in addition to reducing costs and organizational complexity, they appreciate the simplification of training processes for their teams, who have to learn and become familiar with a single interface instead of several. In addition, the MSPs surveyed recognize the importance of having a single support line accessible 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. 

Additionally, the respondents highly value that this single interface is managed from the Cloud, without the need for a physical or virtual infrastructure, and without worrying about maintenance or system updates. In this regard, 91% of the MSPs surveyed recognize that Cloud-based single-pane-of-glass management helps to package services aimed at meeting the XDR and SASE needs of customers. The Cloud also eliminates the job of installing and maintaining the tool at endpoints. 

WatchGuard Cloud offers precisely what MPSs overwhelmingly want, according to the study: a single Cloud-based dashboard and interface for cybersecurity managers. This platform also allows the product to be scaled in line with changing customer needs: no infrastructure investment or maintenance is required. This Cloud solution is instantly scalable and always up to date to deliver the highest level of security.  

WatchGuard Cloud ensures complete security of customer data within the system by encrypting information both in transit and at rest. This security has been certified by the rigorous ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standard, which covers the platform's Information Security Management System (ISMS).  

See all the data extracted from the Unified Security for MSP survey here.