In an era dominated by digital transformation and technological innovation, businesses are experiencing a surge in growth, relying on technology to enhance operations and reach wider audiences to fuel their business. And while this digital evolution presents unprecedented opportunities, it also exposes businesses to a heightened risk of cyber threats.  Especially to small businesses. Smaller companies are increasingly not only perceived as easier targets due to resource constraints but are finding themselves at the forefront of a growing battle against hackers and security breaches. With the ever-increasing threat, it’s time for small businesses to both plan and protect themselves, as well as take an honest look at the reality of its implications to their data, critical IT infrastructure and unseen costs that can happen if cybercriminals attack. As the trusted experts, TMG suggests the following for you to consider as you strengthen your defense. Small Companies Face a Double-Edged Sword As we all know, the business landscape is witnessing a massive influx of small companies, especially post-pandemic. New and rapidly growing technology has empowered and enabled enterprise to a level most of us have never seen before. And although we’re witnessing a historical shift in increased abilities and popularity in becoming an entrepreneur or forming a small business, it also paints a large target on the collective back of those small businesses to hackers. Cybercriminals, aware of resource constraints, see these enterprises as low-hanging fruit ripe for exploitation. The sheer number of small businesses presents a unique challenge. Unlike their larger counterparts, these enterprises may lack the financial muscle and means to invest heavily in cybersecurity. This creates a double-edged sword for both sides – a vast number of potential targets for hackers who don’t need an exorbitant budget to wreak havoc on and a vast number of small businesses who are not fully prepared for a cyber-attack. The cat and mouse game between these criminals and the CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs trying to defend their network is hard to win because threats are constantly evolving. At TMG we’ve seen that when small businesses take a proactive security approach understanding the double-edged sword, and plan for not “if” but “when” at attack happens, it can help you mitigate these growing threats quickly, comprehensively and dynamically. Breaking the Myth: Hackers vs. Corporate Giants Contrary to popular belief, hackers often prefer targeting small businesses over corporate giants. Why? Because big companies have and boast formidable defense mechanisms, including dedicated cybersecurity teams and substantial financial resources. Hackers, on the other hand, are operating on unlimited budgets. They see smaller organizations as vulnerable entry points and easier to prey upon. In choosing their targets, cybercriminals pick organizations with known vulnerabilities or those that may lack comprehensive cybersecurity measures. Small businesses need to understand their attractiveness as targets due to perceived weaknesses in their cybersecurity infrastructure. It’s important to work with experts like TMG that can help you not only take a closer look at your cyber threat potential, but help you navigate the status as a prime target. This awareness and acknowledgement of vulnerability is the first step toward strengthening your security defense. The next step is conducting regular security assessments to determine the functionality of your current security controls, detect weaknesses in security posture, and to predict possible threats while guiding the planning of effective responses during a cyber threat or attack. Breaching the Small to Reach the Big Hackers employ a strategic approach by breaching smaller accounts to gain access to larger, more lucrative targets. They understand the interconnected nature of business ecosystems – think supply chains, partnerships, and collaborations. This not only creates a web of vulnerabilities that hackers deftly exploit, but also can make a small business an accomplice in larger-scale cyber-attacks. Understanding this threat is pivotal for small companies, you’ll quickly see it’s not just about securing your digital borders; it’s also about recognizing the role you play in a broader network of potential targets. That’s why it’s more important than ever to understand how to run the right tests for your business’s unique situation and needs. TMG has access to best-in-class security firms, giving you well-vetted options and expert guidance in choosing the right testing to ensure not only you are protected, but so are the people and companies you do business with. Guard Against Overspending In the pursuit of cybersecurity, the temptation to overspend is real. Very real. TMG often sees this evidence in two critical areas – insurance and cyber solutions. Small businesses often fall into the pitfalls of spending on the wrong tests, the wrong people or the wrong solutions giving them a false sense of security. The Insurance Paradox They also tend to think having insurance that equates to cyber protection. They also think their spend on cyber protection is “enough” as they treat that the same as insurance. The thought we hear is; “I am already spending x, isn’t that enough”. If I add anything else it will be more than we need/want/can afford/ and is the equivalent of overspending on insurance. Investing in cybersecurity insurance is a smart and necessary move. Small businesses often struggle with finding the right balance, both for their needs and especially on how much to spend. While insurance provides a financial safety net, relying solely on this mechanism can create a false sense of invincibility. Over-insuring by thinking you are covered since you have security services in place will not stop cyber-threats. It’s essential to evaluate insurance needs meticulously, and at TMG we’ve seen an influx of requests from our small business clients asking us to do just that for them. It’s important for small businesses to take a holistic approach to risk management with a focus on controlling overspending and insurance costs should be assessed. First, we want to understand the potential financial ramifications of a cyber incident for our clients, then balance that coverage with a robust cybersecurity strategy. The Other Elements to Consider The belief that a combination of endpoint solutions and an IT manager equates to a foolproof cybersecurity will set you up for failure. We’ve seen it happen one too many times. Small businesses must shift their focus from buying widgets and tools, to what they SHOULD be doing. And what they should do is make sure they partner with a trusted advisor like TMG to get the FULL picture – evaluate the unique risk, develop a customized plan, and assess their overall security posture. A checklist mentality won’t cut it in the complex landscape of cyber threats. There are other elements to consider: The Human Element: An IT manager, no matter how skilled, cannot operate in isolation. Due diligence extends far beyond implementing solutions – it involves continuous learning, staying abreast of evolving threats, and adapting defenses accordingly. The AI (Artificial Intelligence) Element: AI stands as a formidable ally in the fight against cyber threats. Its ability to analyze vast datasets and identify patterns makes it a valuable tool for threat detection. However, the efficacy of AI comes with a caveat – time and learning curves. Small businesses leveraging AI must understand that it takes time for these systems to learn and adapt. The dynamic nature of cyber threats means that AI might not catch everything immediately. Our leaders at TMG will dive deeper into this in coming months. Remember, both people and AI have a learning curve. Just one missed threat could leave you exposed and lead to the bad guys straight to you. This reality necessitates a layered approach to security, combining AI with human oversight to bridge the gap. Tap TMG to help you simplify and build that more focused layered approach that is essential in today’s times. The Unseen Cost of Cybersecurity Incidents The most obvious fallout of a cyber-attack, besides breached data, are the huge financial implications. But beyond the immediate financial implications, the unseen cost of cybersecurity incidents for small businesses can be devastating. The fallout includes: Financial Consequences: Remediation costs, legal fees, and potential regulatory fines contribute to the financial burden. Reputational Damage: Trust is hard-earned and easily lost. A cybersecurity incident can tarnish a small business’s reputation, leading to customer distrust and potential loss of business. Operational Disruption: Cybersecurity incidents can disrupt normal business operations, leading to downtime and lost productivity. Tap TMG to help you protect data and critical IT infrastructure, as well as your reputation from cybercriminals. There’s too much at stake, both seen and unseen, for you to just “hope” you’re protected. Be proactive and focus on how you can strengthen your defense. Change Starts Here As small businesses stand at the crossroads of opportunity and vulnerability, the need for strategic cybersecurity measures has never been more important. The surge in small companies brings both promise and peril, with cyber threats lurking at every virtual corner. Yes, cybercrime is growing, but by having a firm understanding of what your small business is vulnerable to, strategically spending to mitigate, and honestly accessing your vulnerabilities, you’ll be able to develop a plan that is right for you. If you’d like us to help assess your situation, providing expert guidance in how to reduce your risks and increase your protection and exposure, connect with us at TMG. Regardless of how insignificant you think your company is to a criminal’s plans, you never know what kind of data they may be seeking from you or what they plan to do with it. And with smaller companies being a big target of cyberattacks now, as well as for the unforeseeable future, it’s time you plan for change. Small businesses can successfully navigate the unfortunate cyber threats a digital frontier comes with, by staying both vigilant and having the full picture to develop a strategic plan. Both for now, and the road forward. No business is too small for cyber security. Let experts like TMG help you prepare, protect and save money. There’s confidence that comes with having expert advisors on your side.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, TMG has stood as a beacon for enterprises. We are a haven for those seeking unparalleled expertise in making data-driven decisions and navigating the cybersecurity landscape. With over two decades of experience, TMG offers a unique blend of comprehensive insights and hands-on experience to craft tailored technology solutions.  Generative AI Technologies As businesses increasingly embrace generative AI technologies for efficiency, TMG recognizes the critical need to address the accompanying cybersecurity challenges. In a groundbreaking webinar, TMG and eSentire, dives deep into the cyber risks associated with the use of generative AI. Together, they shed light on how security leaders can leverage tools like ChatGPT and similar solutions while fortify their cybersecurity posture and enhance overall cyber resilience. TMG emphasizes the importance of a high-touch, relationship-driven model that places clients at the center of technology decisions. This approach extends to addressing the specific challenges posed by generative AI technologies. The webinar explores how organizations can set up, deploy, and utilize Large Language Model (LLM) gateways to safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. This includes those mandated by the SEC and other regulatory bodies. AI Investigator Tool eSentire, a prominent Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider, takes center stage in the discussion, introducing their revolutionary AI Investigator tool. This tool empowers customers with real-time answers to security data queries and instills confidence in internal investigations. The collaborative insights delve into how MDR providers are leveraging generative AI tools to elevate threat detection and response capabilities. Ultimately delivering superior security outcomes for enterprises. The TMG and eSentire webinar provides a holistic view of the impact of generative AI technologies on businesses. This emphasizes the significance of a strategic cybersecurity approach. By harnessing AI tools and embracing LLM gateways, organizations can mitigate cyber risks but also gain a secure and compliant technological future. TMG’s commitment to being a Technology Acquisition Partner™ is evident. We guide enterprises through the intricate intersection of technology and cybersecurity. This ensures they remain at the forefront of innovation while safeguarding their digital assets. Webinar on the Horizon TMG and eSentire invite you to join our upcoming webinar on January 30th at 11 am ET. Titled “How Generative AI is Impacting the Future of Cybersecurity,” the webinar is a testament to our shared commitment to knowledge-sharing and navigating the cybersecurity landscape. Register here .

“In life, change is inevitable. In business, change is vital” – Warren G Bennis. These words resonate more than ever in today’s fast-paced world, where the only constant is change. For businesses, stagnation is not an option. A business that doesn’t change is a business that dies – a stark truth that, though intimidating, serves as a call to action rather than a foreboding warning.  The forefront of business evolution is technology, an ever-evolving force that can either propel companies forward or leave them lagging behind. Embracing change, especially in the realm of technology, can be a daunting prospect. The fear of the unknown, the complexities of implementation, and the uncertainty of outcomes can paralyze even the most robust enterprises. It is here that the role of a reliable partner becomes crucial. Confidence in Change Enter TMG – your technology acquisition partner. In a world where change can be intimidating, TMG offers a steady hand to guide businesses through the turbulent waters of technological evolution. We understand that technology is not just a tool; it’s the catalyst that transforms businesses. With TMG as your partner, the fear of change dissipates, replaced by the confidence that comes with having a seasoned ally with 25 years of experience, by your side. Investing in your IT department is not just a strategic choice; it’s a necessity. Many IT teams find themselves in a delicate balance – too lean, lacking experience, or even too large to discern a concise picture of the business’s technological needs. TMG steps in as the bridge between the aspirations of a thriving business and the dynamic landscape of evolving technology. TMG makes technology acquisitions easy by helping our clients understand how technology can empower and enable their enterprise. We go beyond generic solutions, providing a tailored bespoke approach that aligns seamlessly with your business objectives. Our hands-on implementation ensures that your IT decisions are not just seamless but transformative. Embracing Change Change is indeed scary, but with TMG as your partner, there is no need to fear the unknown. We thrive on the belief that the only constant is change and that it is an opportunity for growth. By embracing change, investing in your IT department, and partnering with TMG, your business can not only navigate the waves of change but ride them to unparalleled success in the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. In conclusion, change is the lifeblood of business growth, and technology is the engine driving that change. The fear of change is natural, but with TMG as your technology acquisition partner, that fear transforms into confidence. As businesses continue to evolve, those who recognize the importance of embracing change and investing in their IT infrastructure will not only survive but thrive in an ever-changing world. TMG stands ready to be the catalyst for your business transformation, making change not just a necessity but a pathway to enduring success.

I was at a client’s site last week and we started talking about the IBM iSeries and AS400 and how companies might need to think about migrating to the cloud.  The conversation quickly turned to “green screen” (5250 emulator) and at the point I admit, I got a little lost! Then later that afternoon, the same conversation came up with another client. The iSeries and AS400 came out when “things were built to last” and believe me, it has stood the test of time. It got me thinking that there are probably a multitude of companies that are still using this workhorse on-premise who have yet to transition it to the cloud and probably do not realize that they should. Transitioning to the Cloud In the realm of enterprise computing, the IBM iSeries (formerly AS/400 or AS400) has long been a stalwart, supporting critical business operations for decades. Its robust architecture, reliability, and scalability have made it a trusted platform for countless organizations across various industries. However, as businesses strive for agility, scalability, and cost-efficiency, migrating from on-premise IBM iSeries and AS400 systems to the cloud emerges as a strategic imperative. Here’s why migrating from on-premise IBM iSeries and AS400 systems to the cloud is essential: Scalability and Flexibility: Traditional on-premise systems often struggle to accommodate fluctuating workloads and evolving business requirements. Cloud platforms provide unparalleled scalability, enabling organizations to seamlessly scale resources up or down based on demand. Cost-Efficiency: Managing and maintaining on-premise infrastructure incurs significant capital and operational expenses. From hardware procurement and maintenance to energy consumption and IT personnel costs, the financial burden can be substantial. Cloud migration shifts these costs to a pay-as-you-go model, eliminating the need for upfront investments in hardware and reducing ongoing operational expenses. Moreover, cloud providers offer economies of scale, enabling organizations to achieve cost savings through resource optimization and efficient utilization. Enhanced Security and Compliance: On-premise systems require meticulous attention to security protocols and regular updates to safeguard against vulnerabilities. Cloud providers, however, offer robust security measures, including data encryption, identity and access management, and continuous monitoring. By migrating to the cloud, organizations can leverage enterprise-grade security features, ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Unforeseen disruptions, ranging from natural disasters to hardware failures, can wreak havoc on business operations. Traditional disaster recovery solutions often entail complex setups and significant investments. Cloud platforms, with their geographically dispersed data centers and built-in redundancy, provide resilient disaster recovery capabilities out of the box. Innovation and Agility: The pace of technological innovation accelerates unabated, driving unprecedented opportunities for business growth and transformation. Cloud-native services, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, and IoT, empower organizations to innovate rapidly and deliver superior customer experiences. By migrating to the cloud, organizations can leverage these cutting-edge technologies without the burden of managing underlying infrastructure, fostering agility and innovation. If the above doesn’t get you thinking then from a cost perspective, we just recently spoke with a client that has an AS400 onsite and by taking him to the cloud we are reducing his cost by over $300,000 per year. In conclusion, migrating from on-premise IBM iSeries and AS400 systems to the cloud offers numerous compelling advantages for businesses. It provides scalability and flexibility to adapt to changing workloads, cost-efficiency through a pay-as-you-go model and resource optimization, enhanced security and compliance with robust cloud provider measures, and improved business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities. Furthermore, cloud migration enables organizations to leverage cutting-edge technologies for innovation and agility without the burden of managing underlying infrastructure. With substantial cost savings and a pathway to future-proofing your IT infrastructure, the case for migrating from IBM iSeries and AS400 to the cloud is compelling and strategic. With TMG as your partner, we will make the transition as easy and smooth as possible.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations are increasingly turning to Software as a Service (SaaS) applications to drive efficiency and innovation. However, the rapid growth of SaaS has introduced the challenges of an uncontrolled SaaS environment, including overspending and security risks .  The Challenges of Uncontrolled SaaS Environments From identifying shadow IT to rightsizing SaaS license counts and types, uncontrolled SaaS environments can lead to significant financial and security implications. Consider these alarming statistics: 40% of IT budgets are consumed by unsanctioned applications. 50% of IT leaders are concerned about their SaaS cost-per-user. 80% of CIOs say they will reduce spending by optimizing SaaS licenses. TMG: Your Partner in SaaS Optimization At TMG , we understand that navigating the complexities of SaaS optimization can be daunting. That’s why we offer hands-on consulting and solution design services to help you architect a SaaS solution that drives future growth and stability while optimizing costs and reducing administrative burden. TMG will help establish a baseline current state, assess needs and requirements, design a solution, acquire the technology, implement it and provide ongoing management and support(if necessary). How TMG Can Help You Our consulting services focus on: Identifying Shadow IT: We help you identify and manage unsanctioned applications to reduce security risks and unnecessary costs. Optimizing Costs: We work with you to optimize your SaaS environment, leading to significant cost savings. Reducing Administrative Burden: We streamline your SaaS management processes, reducing administrative overhead. One of the suppliers we would like to spotlight this month for this service is Tangoe. Tangoe Cloud for SaaS: A Solution for Cost Savings and Optimization Tangoe Cloud for SaaS offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges. By leveraging Tangoe’s expertise in SaaS optimization, organizations can expect to see significant cost savings ranging from 15% to 40% within the first year alone. Contact TMG Today Don’t let the challenges of uncontrolled SaaS environment hinder your organization’s growth. Contact TMG today to learn how our Tangoe Cloud for SaaS consulting services can help you optimize your SaaS environment and network infrastructure for success.

As March Madness approaches, it grips the nation with its excitement and fervor, and we can’t help but watch. The stories of underdogs, watching the one seed dominate their opponent, and the last second buzzer beater that brings euphoria to winners and devastation for the losers. We get drawn into the emotions and wins of the tournament. We can’t help but draw parallels between the tournament and the world of business. In both arenas, there is a palpable sense of competition, the drive to succeed, and the recognition that, in the end, there can only be one winner. However, at TMG we don’t “win” because we scored our clients a deal. In fact, we win when TMG becomes a part of the clients team and they are set up for success in their industries.  At TMG, we understand the spirit of March Madness. In fact, most of our sales and marketing team has played sports at the collegiate level. We know what it takes to compete, to strive for excellence, and to emerge victorious. Our approach combines the strategic insights of the largest technology consultancies with the bespoke touch of a Technology Acquisition Partner. This ensures that our clients have the winning edge in their industries. Becoming a Part of Your Team Just like in basketball, success in business requires a strong team. TMG becomes a part of the clients team. We sit on the same side of the table as you and we are working solely on your behalf. TMG also makes sure to have a strong internal team. We are a group of professionals who share a commitment to our core values that guide us in how we engage with clients. We want to make sure that we fit with our clients just as much as our clients want to make sure that we fit with them. In the world of March Madness, every game matters, and every decision can make a difference. The same is true in business. That’s why at TMG, we take a strategic approach to technology, delivering solutions that are tailored to our clients’ specific needs and goals. We focus on the bigger strategic picture, ensuring that our clients never lose sight of their journey to success. So, as we immerse ourselves in the excitement of March Madness, let us also embrace the spirit of competition and the drive to succeed. With TMG as your partner, you can be confident that you have a team that is committed to your success. We will go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals. Let’s make this March a winning month together!

As Spring approaches, so do the days of rain. To raise the spirits around us the old saying is said, “April showers bring May flowers.” We know that some days we must get through the gloom so we can appreciate the beauty that comes after. Similarly, in the realm of managing technology, challenges and setbacks can often be compared to these showers. However, we know that with the right approach and support, these challenges can bloom into opportunities for growth and success.  At TMG , we understand the importance of weathering the storms that come with managing technology in today’s fast-paced world. Just like the unpredictable weather of April, technology can be equally unpredictable, bringing its own set of challenges and complexities. From cybersecurity threats to the complexities of cloud migration, these challenges can often feel like a deluge of rain, dampening the spirits of even the most seasoned IT leaders. But just as May flowers bloom after April showers, TMG can help you navigate through these challenges and emerge stronger on the other side. With our years of experience and the experts on our team, we can help you transform your technology landscape and turn these showers into flowers of success. Eliminating the “Showers” One of the keyways TMG can help eliminate the “showers” in your technology landscape is through our cybersecurity solutions. While dealing with setting up your new security systems seems a little “gloomy”, nothing compares to the “thunderstorm” that will come if a breach happens. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, protecting your business from potential breaches is more important than ever. Another area where TMG can help is in cloud migration. Moving your infrastructure to the cloud can offer numerous benefits, including increased flexibility, scalability, and cost savings. Sounds like your business will be in “full bloom” with all those benefits. However, the process of migrating to the cloud can be complex and challenging. This is where TMG can bring the sun and help you navigate this process smoothly, ensuring a seamless transition. Gardens of Success In addition to cybersecurity and cloud migration, TMG also offers expertise in so much more. We are here to help IT leaders get through “gloomy” patches and into the gardens of success. Technology acquisitions do not have to be painful. With TMG sitting on the same side as the tables as you, you know that you are being offered the very best deal. In conclusion, just as April showers bring May flowers, the challenges and setbacks in your technology landscape can bloom into opportunities for growth and success with the right approach and support. TMG is here to help you navigate through these challenges and emerge stronger on the other side. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help transform your technology landscape and turn your “showers” into flowers of success.

 In the bustling of technology, TMG stands as a beacon of reliability and innovation. Since its inception, TMG has had a dedication to excellence. We been more than just a consultancy; we have been a true partner to our clients, guiding them through the ever-changing landscape of technology with a personal touch. Guiding our clients through this process of acquiring technology, even with the rapid pace of change in technology, by sticking to one of our core values of “always keep learning”. TMG knows that it is hard as a decision maker to shift through all the different providers and solutions. So that is where we step in. TMG’s journey is one of resilience and commitment to its clients. Our team, driven by a passion for serving others, stays true to a simple yet powerful idea: to support clients better than anyone else, without the pressure of pushing specific brands. We sit on the same side as the table of the client so you know we are truly a part of your team. Over the years, TMG has grown and adapted to meet the evolving needs of its clients. We work tirelessly to ensure that our clients are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Due to this work, we remain a at the forefront of being the technology acquisition partner you trust. As your business continue to seek ways to enhance their communication strategies, we provide unparalleled support and guidance every step. TMG’s Dedication to Excellence and Edify’s Innovative Approach That is why we are excited to introduce Edify was one of the many logos that we work with. Together, with TMG’s dedication to excellence and Edify’s innovative approach, we offer a comprehensive suite of solutions. This enable businesses to enhance their communication strategies and streamline their operations. From integrations and programmable voice to chat collaboration and agent assist functionality, we provide businesses with the tools they need to succeed in a fast-paced, digital world. One of Edify’s standout features is its agent assist functionality, which automates repetitive tasks and provides agents with relevant customer data and business processes. This allows agents to focus on maintaining positive customer experiences while efficiently resolving customer needs on the first attempt. This level of assistance not only boosts key metrics like AHT, sentiment scoring, and FCR but also results in happier agents, happier customers, and a well-optimized business. TMG and our team stay on the path of our commitment to providing our clients with best-in-class communication solutions. By leveraging their innovative platform, TMG ensures that its clients are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. TMG provides everything businesses need to improve how they connect with customers, make their work smoother, and reach their goals. With TMG’s dedication to excellence and Edify’s innovative approach to communications, businesses can confidently embrace the future, knowing that they have the support of two industry leaders by their side.

This is the first part in a series from TMG talking about security stack consolidation. Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions of the pros, cons, common pitfalls, and more of security consolidation.  When you get enough security professionals together in a space these days, two things tend to happen. First, they start speaking in acronyms that make the conversation nearly incomprehensible to non-security people. (This, as anyone who has ever met someone in security will confirm, is not novel behavior.) The second thing they tend to start doing is start talking about security consolidation. What is security stack consolidation? To explain this conversation, let’s look at another industry where the same trends have occurred: television and streaming entertainment. For those of us who are not surprised to find a gray hair on our heads, we remember a time when television services were mostly delivered through cable providers who also happened to be ISPs. These companies introduced many people (some might choose the word “forced”) into the idea of bundling services. If you wanted sports channels, they came in the package with celebrity news. Even more sports channels meant you were tied into more home shopping. Oh, and your home phone and internet were tied into these bundles as well, with very little negotiating room, notoriously terrible customer service, and random price increases. Looking back, it shouldn’t have been surprising when customers started growing disgruntled with the state of affairs. The early cord cutters – the ones who cut cable and went fully to streaming services – showed us that we could start to cut the “fat” of our entertainment by choosing streaming services instead. Fast forward a little bit and jokes about the nonsense of juggling bunches of streaming services are almost as trite as comedians in the ‘90s asking why they don’t make the whole plane out of the black box material. This is also as we are starting to see streaming services merge and bundle their offerings again. Building back toward the entertainment consolidation customers fought against. The difference in the security world, of course, is that the consequences of these scattered services aren’t where to binge a series over the course of a weekend. These consequences result in possibly catastrophic losses of data and costs recovering from disaster. Why are security teams considering consolidation again? The pipeline from consolidated services under a large corporation’s umbrella to more bespoke, independent options, and then back toward consolidation mirrors the security world. Security and finance teams grow frustrated with bundled security services they didn’t use or need from the mega corporations. They started building out their own set of security stacks and filling gaps with both large and independent vendors based on compliance and best practices. However, many organizations found this has become unmanageable for their teams for a variety of reasons, such as: Tools have difficulty talking to each other and often overwhelm security teams with redundant alerts. Teams having trouble managing all the different tools and UIs. Updates can be manual processes that are easily missed. Company acquisitions can lead to uncertainty and fears of sunsetting the technology entirely. Multiple bills and contract renewals a year with various vendors. The debate around consolidation often centers around the idea of perfect conditions versus reality. In an ideal world, security teams could pick and choose their very best security stack tools and technologies across all the vendors based on needs, coverage gaps, staff, etc. If every tool and technology integrates well with one another, and the staff is trained and plentiful enough to manage updates and alerts, it’s likely this bespoke setup would, indeed, be the “best”. As we all know, though, we are far from living in these perfect security conditions. Security budgets are tight, teams are stretched, and integrations often fall far from their vendors’ promises when implemented. The question then becomes if consolidating security stacks with major vendors, with (ideally) more native integrations, fewer panes of glass to manage, and almost-as-good (if not just-as-good, in some cases) protection is worth the risk of putting more eggs in one basket and the hassle of dealing with behemoth vendors who can be much slower to respond to issues and mired in layers of red tape. How to navigate the consolidation debate The debate around consolidation – just as in all security decisions – is never about if it’s a “good or bad” idea, but rather a company’s risk tolerance. Is 80-90% coverage of your security needs with a single vendor less risky than a hodgepodge of different solutions? One company’s security needs and coverage are inherently going to be different from another’s, based on their setup, scaling abilities, locations, budgets, teams, and many other factors. And while their teams are stretched trying to keep everything safe, they can’t also be expected to be experts in all the different solutions, vendors, bundles, and security landscape. This is where TMG comes in- to help with security stack consolidation. As technology acquisition partners, we understand the pain points security teams are facing. We while also having a firm grasp of the cybersecurity landscapes to help navigate your team. We can help guide you through the pros and cons of tool consolidation, as we have expertise with any number of setups, architectures, vendors big and small, and how they align with your business needs. Perhaps most importantly, we can help with the transitions, as change management is often even more important than tool selection. If you have questions about consolidating your tools, vendor selection, or anything else, please reach out.