MSP, IT management, Networking

Barracuda Networks Enhances Zero Trust Security, RMM for MSPs

Credit: Joe Panettieri
Sinan Eren, VP
Sinan Eren, VP of Zero Trust, Barracuda Networks

Barracuda Networks, backed by private equity firm Thoma Bravo, has introduced new Zero Trust Security and RMM (remote monitoring and management) software capabilities for MSPs.

The Zero Trust effort involves Barracuda CloudGen Access for MSPs. The software, based on Barracuda's Fyde acquisition, allows MSPs to enable "secure, reliable, and fast access to cloud and on-premises applications and workloads from any device and location," according to Sinan Eren, VP of Zero Trust Access at Barracuda.

The MSP-centric offering features multi-tenant management and monthly pricing options for partners.

Managed Workplace Becomes Barracuda RMM

Barracuda has also rebranded its RMM (remote monitoring and management) software from Managed Workplace to Barracuda RMM. The company acquired the RMM platform in 2019 from Avast.

Since the acquisition of Managed Workplace, Barracuda MSP has been "innovating the cloud-based platform, connecting to Office 365 APIs, adding automated third-party software update and patch management via Barracuda Advanced Software Management, and more," the company says.

Brian Babineau, GM of MSP solutions, Barracuda Networks

In a prepared statement about the updates, Brian Babineau, senior VP and general manager, MSP Solutions, said:

“These innovations, along with Barracuda’s proven track record in helping MSPs accelerate their cloud journey, have created the perfect opportunity to evolve the product name. When MSPs hear ‘Barracuda RMM,’ they should immediately know we are combining the best aspects of Barracuda’s commitment to securing their businesses for life with a robust solution needed to address that mandate.”

Managed Workplace, originally owned by Level Platforms, helped to pioneer the MSP software industry. But Level Platforms ultimately failed to keep pace when rivals such as ConnectWise, Kaseya, Datto and N-able (formerly SolarWinds MSP) pursued aggressive funding and/or M&A strategies.

Level Platforms no longer exists. But the company's code lives and continues to get enhancements under the Barracuda RMM banner.

Barracuda MSP: The Bigger Picture

Barracuda began its business journey into the MSP partner market when the company acquired cloud backup provider Intronis in September 2015.

More than a tuck-in deal, buying Intronis was part of a larger Barracuda strategy to build MSP-centric channel sales models. The resulting Barracuda MSP business unit, led by Babineau since May 2016, quietly ranks among the world's most successful MSP platform providers.

Private equity firm Thoma Bravo acquired Barracuda in November 2017 as part of a larger MSP technology strategy. Thoma Bravo also owns and/or backs ConnectWise, N-able and Sophos, among other software and technology businesses.

Joe Panettieri

Joe Panettieri is co-founder & editorial director of MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E, the two leading news & analysis sites for managed service providers in the cybersecurity market.