Monday Morning Impact – August 4

Published On: August 3, 2025Categories: Buzz

Study: MSPs Continue to Grow Industry Traction

Barracuda Networks, a Campbell, California-based cybersecurity company, has issued a new market research report detailing, in part, the prominent growth of the MSP business model in the tech industry. According to the company’s “MSP Customer Insight Report,” 52% of the surveyed organizations want MSPs to help them manage a spiraling number of disconnected security tools and vendors, and 51% turn to MSPs to evolve their security strategies as the business expands. Just under half (48%) say they rely on MSPs for around-the-clock security coverage.

The research also shows that the MSP client base has expanded significantly. MSPs have traditionally been seen as a resource for smaller businesses, but the survey found that 85% of organizations with 1,000 to 2,000 employees now depend on MSPs for security support, compared to 61% of smaller companies with 50 to 100 employees.
Over the next two years, there the company expects high demand for MSP expertise in AI and machine learning applications, as well as for network security measures such as zero trust and managed security operations.

Customers are prepared to pay MSPs up to 25% more for the services and support they need, according to the report. As many as 92% of organizations are willing to pay a premium for advanced support in integrating their security tools.

In return, customer expectations are high. Customers will consider switching providers if their current MSP fails to meet key expectations. Concerns include the MSP’s ability to help them remediate and recover from a cyberattack, and the MSP’s own security resilience. 45% of customers would switch if their MSP cannot demonstrate the skills and expertise required to deliver 24/7 security support.

“These findings highlight the pivotal role MSPs play in helping customers navigate the complexities of modern cybersecurity,” said Brian Downey, VP of Product Management at Barracuda. “From addressing disconnected security tools to meeting high customer expectations for resilience and advanced support, MSPs face both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges.”

Barracuda commissioned an independent market research company to conduct a global survey of 2,000 senior security decision-makers in IT and business roles in organizations with between 50 and 2,000 employees from a broad range of industries in the U.S., UK, France, DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg), the Nordics (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden), Australia, India, and Japan. The fieldwork was conducted in April and May 2025.

Channel Impact®
The report details the findings of an international survey showing how managed service providers (MSPs) have become critical partners for businesses that want to grow securely. The data also suggests that MSPs need to function as strategic partners who can deliver necessary modes of protection as well as provide both technical and business support.

Coro Appoints Channel Veteran Joe Sykora as New CEO

Coro Security, a Chicago-based company specializing in cybersecurity for small and midsize businesses, has announced the appointment of Joe Sykora, a recognized leader in the cybersecurity channel ecosystem, as Chief Executive Officer.

Sykora succeeds co-founder Guy Moskowitz, who has led the company for more than a decade. Moskowitz will assume the role of President and will be actively involved in the company’s global expansion and strategic initiatives.

Sykora brings extensive experience across the global cybersecurity channel, having held top leadership roles at Proofpoint, Bitdefender, and Fortinet. Since joining Coro earlier this year as SVP and GM of the Americas and ANZ, he has successfully aligned go-to-market operations across regions.

“I’m honored to step into the CEO role and grateful to the Board for their confidence in me,” said Sykora. “I also want to thank Guy for his visionary leadership and for building such a strong foundation over more than a decade. The energy and trajectory inside Coro are truly exceptional. I look forward to working closely with our customers, partners, and the entire team at Coro to accelerate our next chapter of hypergrowth.”

After establishing a firm footing in purpose-built cybersecurity for the SMB market, the company is expanding globally with a newly opened London office, a growing EMEA presence, and recent entry into the ANZ market.

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to lead Coro as a CEO and co-founder during the last decade, growing it from a small startup into a global company,” said Guy Moskowitz. “With our momentum rapidly building and global opportunities ahead, it was the right time to hand the reins to Joe. When I recruited Joe earlier this year, it was clear he’s a proven leader, a channel champion, and exactly the right person to lead Coro into our next phase of expansion. His appointment as CEO reinforces our unwavering commitment to a 100% channel-first strategy.”

Channel Impact®
The move marks a new chapter for Coro as it seeks to accelerate growth and deepen its commitment to the channel ecosystem.

Exabeam Rolls Out New Apex Partner Program

Exabeam has unveiled a new partner program, billed as “a modernized, partner-informed global channel initiative built to meet the evolving demands of today’s cybersecurity landscape.”

“Too many programs in the market are rigid, complex, and disconnected from what partners actually need,” said Craig Patterson, Global Channel Chief. “Apex prioritizes competency over contracts, enablement over transactions, and collaboration over assumptions.”

A key evolution of the Exabeam Apex Partner Program is the shift to a competency-based tiering model that rewards performance in addition to sales volume. According to the company’s recent survey, 27% of partners ranked training, certifications, and business development as their top priorities; nearly double the 14% who cited incentives and rebates. The new program reflects this shift, aligning advancement with strategic enablement and technical expertise, and delivering a transparent, achievable path to greater opportunities.

Key elements include competency based tiering in which advancement is earned through certifications, specializations, and customer success. The company has also made an effort to add consistency to the incentive structure through stackable rebates, and commitment accelerators. Regions can add or waive requirements based on local market realities.

Exabeam is also introducing two new routes to market: Technology Solution Distributors (TSDs) and a dedicated referral track for consultants, advisors, and ecosystem alliances.

The program is being rolled out in a phased approach, with full availability expected by January 1, 2026.

Channel Impact®
The new program is intended to provide partners with greater flexibility, faster onboarding, and deeper collaboration. Its streamlined, competency-based framework is expected to simplify licensing and improve margins.

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