Atera Networks Ltd. and Webroot Inc. have forged an alliance that makes the latter company’s endpoint security software an integrated, but optional, component of the former vendor’s managed services application suite.
Drawing on newly engineered links between Atera’s flagship solution and Webroot SecureAnywhere Business Endpoint Protection, MSPs can now install Webroot software on Windows-based PCs and servers with a single click and receive automatic alerts through their remote management console when security issues arise.
Protection for Macs is available too without the one-click installation and notification features. Users can additionally safeguard mobile devices running the Android and iOS operating systems via Webroot’s SecureAnywhere Business Mobile Protection offering.
Atera, whose North American headquarters are in New York City, will bill customers who choose to utilize Webroot software an extra $1.20 a month per client device. MSPs who already have a monthly subscription to Broomfield, Colo.-based Webroot’s endpoint protection software, however, can take advantage of the new service free of additional charge. There are no long-term commitments attached to the offer either way, so users can cancel any time they choose without penalty.
“With the increased threat of ransomware attacks, we are adding another critical layer of protection for MSPs and their customers,” said Atera CEO Gil Pekelman in a press statement. “This new partnership will help MSPs simplify and streamline their security offerings to end customers, while increasing their operating margins.”
Webroot Endpoint Protection includes a built-in firewall, cloud-based management, and identity and privacy shield functionality designed to foil keystroke logging, screen grabbing, and cookie scraping, among other exploits. The system also draws on Webroot’s big data-powered threat intelligence platform to keep users away from known phishing sites and malicious domains. Webroot acquired CyberFlow Analytics last week in a bid to extend its threat intelligence capabilities to network traffic flows.
“In a rapidly changing threat landscape, the only way to protect businesses is with next-generation endpoint security,” said Charlie Tomeo, Webroot’s vice president of worldwide sales, in yesterday’s press release. “Webroot SecureAnywhere Business Endpoint Protection is uniquely suited to bring Atera’s MSPs better protection and performance, increase profitability, and lower operational cost by reducing the complexities associated with managing a traditional security solution.”
Atera’s managed services product includes natively interoperable RMM, PSA, and remote access components. The Webroot alliance adds security capabilities to the solution, and resembles a similar third-party agreement with the IASO division of Dundee, Scotland-based LOGICnow, which is itself now part of SolarWinds MSP, to provide online backup functionality.
Atera’s decision to partner with Webroot on security comes at a time when other managed service vendors are adding new features to their portfolios via in-house development and outside acquisitions. Earlier this week, for example, Autotask Corp., of East Greenbush, N.Y., unveiled a new backup solution based on software it inherited in July 2015 when it purchased file sync and share vendor Soonr.
