A lot of cybersecurity articles wax poetic about complexity.
They start with the Tony Robbins quote, “Complexity is the enemy of execution.” Then, they dive into the pain points, talking about tool overload and relying on a patchwork of tools for different aspects of cybersecurity. There’s the lack of integration that comes from standalone tools, and the silos of data that inevitably arise as a result. And of course, the high costs that come from a sprawling stack—licenses, integrations, management, and training eating into already tight profit margins. We can’t forget the operational complexity—the time and expertise it takes to configure, maintain, and monitor dozens of tools.
We’re not debating whether consolidation of your cybersecurity stack is beneficial. We know it is.
After all, who would say no to reducing the number of interfaces, processes, and protocols your team needs to manage? Everyone wants improved threat visibility to better serve their end clients. The lower total cost of ownership just makes good business sense. Enhanced scalability, stronger vendor relationships, happier customers—these are all obvious benefits that every managed service provider would see and say, “Count me in.”
How Much Cybersecurity Stack Consolidation Is Right For Your MSP?
What we are debating is: Is it possible to consolidate too much?
The tricky thing about optimizing or streamlining your cybersecurity stack is that you can very easily go too far in the other direction. Not all your clients will fit into a tiny set of specific characteristics, industries, or sizes—and that’s actually a good thing.
For example, you probably wouldn’t want to sell the same cybersecurity solution to:
- Small businesses that are just starting to prioritize cybersecurity but with limited budgets. They need foundational, cost-effective protection that’s easy to deploy and manage.
- Midsized organizations experiencing growth, which require scalable solutions to meet increasing threats while maintaining compliance with industry regulations.
- Companies in highly targeted sectors like finance, healthcare, or legal services. These clients demand robust, proactive defenses and advanced threat detection.
- Those in niche industries, such as nonprofits, schools, or manufacturing, with unique risk profiles and operational needs. For example, a charity prioritizing donor data protection vs. a factory needing safeguards against operational downtime caused by ransomware.
- Clients with a hybrid workforce that need secure solutions for both in-office and remote employees.
As an MSP, having a diverse client base isn’t a problem; it’s an opportunity. It showcases your ability to adapt and deliver services that truly fit the unique needs of the businesses you support. Plus, we all know that more clients = more revenue = a thriving business.
OK, So What Is the Problem?
The real problem is trying to push a cybersecurity solution intended for larger clients with complex compliance needs onto a smaller business that simply wants to protect its laptops and a few cloud accounts.
Not only is it a much harder initial sell, but it also increases your risk of customer churn when they realize your competitor offers something better suited for their needs at a fraction of the cost.
So MSPs face a unique challenge: tailoring their services to meet the specific needs of each client while maintaining operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. At first glance, this might seem like a trade-off—sacrificing either flexibility or profitability. But the truth is, you shouldn’t have to choose.
One Vendor. One Solution. Different Tiers.
By partnering with a single vendor that offers tiered solutions of the same robust cybersecurity platform, MSPs can deliver customized protection without adding complexity to their operations. This approach allows you to align your services with each client’s unique requirements—whether they’re a small business or a large enterprise—while benefiting from streamlined vendor management, consistent training, and scalable pricing.
The result? A win-win: enhanced client satisfaction, stronger cybersecurity outcomes, and improved profitability for your business.
Here’s How We Know This Is the Right Approach
From what we have heard from our partners and various MSP communities, smaller businesses make up about 50% of the typical MSP client base. And while Field Effect MDR Complete is unbelievably robust, effective, and holistic—which is fantastic—it’s not necessarily the right fit for smaller businesses. This feedback prompted Field Effect to develop the slimmed down, but still extremely powerful, MDR Core.
Since launching MDR Core, many of our partners have accelerated their business. Whether they’re operating with an all-or-nothing or a good-better-best model, MSPs have been able to incorporate MDR Core and MDR Complete seamlessly into their existing security packages. It’s been particularly advantageous for those running tiered models, as our partners can easily upgrade their clients from “good” to “better” without bouncing between tools. Just one partner, one platform, no BS.
Best of all, our partners feel good about the solution they’re delivering. Between MDR Core and MDR Complete, there’s always a cybersecurity solution that’s right-sized and right-priced for the end user.
Partnering with a Cybersecurity Vendor
Partnering with a comprehensive cybersecurity vendor brings significant advantages that go beyond just solving technical challenges—it transforms how you deliver value to your clients. Imagine having an all-in-one solution that seamlessly handles threat monitoring, detection, and response without the headache of managing multiple, disconnected tools. It’s like having everything you need in one place, making your job easier and more efficient.
And as cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated, partnering with a vendor who stays ahead of the curve ensures your business is future-proofed. With cutting-edge technology and regular updates, you can rest easy knowing your clients are protected.
But the benefits don’t stop there—your clients will notice the difference. A streamlined and effective cybersecurity approach boosts your credibility and builds trust. You’re not just offering another tool; you’re giving them peace of mind, showing you’re serious about keeping their business safe.
Field Effect MDR removes complexity, leaving in its place total clarity that makes it easy to deliver cybersecurity for businesses of all sizes. Book a demo to see how Field Effect MDR makes it easy to protect every client, from the smallest to largest, from one platform.
