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OpenDNS Simplifies Web Security Services for MSPs

Aimed at simplifying the deployment of cloud-based Web security services for managed service providers (MSPs), OpenDNS has unveiled a new management console and business processes that enable its partners to deliver the Umbrella by OpenDNS Web security service to customers more quickly. The new automated management capabilities, monthly billing and volume pricing also are designed […]

Written By: Gina Roos

Jun 20, 2013

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Aimed at simplifying the deployment of cloud-based Web security services for managed service providers (MSPs), OpenDNS has unveiled a new management console and business processes that enable its partners to deliver the Umbrella by OpenDNS Web security service to customers more quickly.

The new automated management capabilities, monthly billing and volume pricing also are designed to make it more profitable for MSPs, according to OpenDNS, a provider of Internet security and Domain Name System (DNS) services.

The cloud-based Umbrella service enables MSPs to protect enterprise customers from malware, botnet and phishing threats without deploying or maintaining customer on-premises equipment. It “prevents users from accessing malicious sites from both on- and off-network devices, which allows MSPs to protect both desk-based and mobile workers with an integrated solution,” said Dima Kumets, MSP product manager for OpenDNS.

“Umbrella for MSP delivers enterprise security service in a way that works for managed service providers with a single pane of glass, easy centralized provisioning for multiple customers, multi-tenant support and a business model that is really geared for MSPs,” said Kumets.

The new OpenDNS management console provides partners with centralized control over a shared pool of Umbrella licenses. For example, it allows MSPs to provision new customers, as well as to deprovision customers with one click and reclaim licenses. The console also gives them access to a centralized view of customers and licenses, and provides ready-made scripts for remote monitoring and management (RMM) deployment to laptop computers.

“The MSPs wanted us to align with their business model, and we responded,” said Kumets. “They wanted to be able to provision a customer or turn down a customer at 3 a.m. without having to talk to someone on the phone, and that is something we delivered. Because of the way their business model works, they need to spend as little time as possible cleaning up malware and managing their security service so they can scale their business and bring on more customers.”

One customer said the Umbrella by OpenDNS MSP console enables the company to protect all clients’ networks in less than five minutes, while protecting laptops outside the office through RMM software.

In addition to the monthly billing, MSPs can update credit card and self-service information for recurring billing. “We recognize that MSPs have a very specific model that focuses on monthly reoccurring revenue and fixed pricing for their customers, and monthly billing better aligns us with their revenue model,” added Kumets.

As a key growth sector for OpenDNS, the company has worked with MSPs for three years. It currently has 1,400 MSP partners that use the Umbrella service. The Umbrella management console is the first of several upcoming improvements for its MSP partners.

“They are using us as a tool to fuel their growth, free up technical resources and decrease their costs, thus increasing their margins,” said Kumets.

Gina Roos, a Channel Insider contributing writer, specializes in technology and the channel.

OpenDNS Simplifies Web Security Services for MSPs

Gina Roos

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