Double digit growth, but solution providers have to get it right
Threat detection and remediation will emerge as key market drivers, says researcher Frost & Sullivan. The managed security services (MSS) market in EMEA is experiencing significant transformation, it says.
While new market entrants with network-based MSS propositions and remediation capabilities are disrupting the MSS provider (MSSP) landscape, mature technologies such as cloud migration, enterprise mobility, and always-on availability are boosting MSS adoption. These factors have stoked demand for expert security professionals, who are in short supply.
Partly in response to this human resource crunch and the need to ensure compliance with Europe-wide General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), businesses and public entities of all sizes are turning to MSSPs.
Frost & Sullivan's research, EMEA Managed Security Services Market, Forecast to 2021, finds that the market was valued at $4.27 billion in 2016 and is expected to reach $8.26 billion by 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1% during 2016 through to 2021.
"Customers want solutions that solve problems, rather than mere alerts to a potential problem," said Frost & Sullivan Digital Transformation Research Director Adrian Drozd. "Therefore, MSSPs that offer consulting, professional and technical services could well outpace the overall market."
The key to longevity and success in an agile MSSP environment is staying ahead of the competition by:
• Capturing the next wave of higher-value MSS. The two growth MSS segments in the next five years are threat intelligence, and research and detection services;
• Growing the midsized market segment with the right pricing strategy;
• Following a customer-centric approach by delivering solutions that meet evolving demands; and
• Adopting technology-led approaches to service delivery, such as unburdening tedious tasks through automation and a collaborative solution approach.
"Although the media has extensively covered security breaches, many enterprises still believe that they will not be subject to targeted attacks and, hence, do not require protection against advanced threats," noted Drozd. "This approach to security has curtailed the adoption of MSS in the EMEA region – and is one that will doubtless change as the threat landscape evolves."