Datacom secures Microsoft Intelligent Security Association membership

Datacom has achieved Microsoft Intelligent Security Association membership status, ensuring customers can access security solutions to predict, detect and respond to security threats.

Following an assessment of security solutions, certifications and qualified practitioners, IT services company Datacom has secured membership to the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA).

MISA is an ecosystem of independent software vendors and managed security service providers that have integrated their solutions to build better defences against threats.

"Our MISA membership provides more evidence that customers can have absolute confidence in Datacom's delivery of high-quality security outcomes, making their organisations more resilient and better equipped to meet their goals," says Datacom director of Cybersecurity, Matthew Evetts.

"It shows Datacom has met Microsoft's high bar for security certifications and qualified practitioners."

Vanessa Sorenson, managing director at Microsoft New Zealand, says achieving MISA membership is the next step in Microsoft's long-term partnership with Datacom and reflects both companies' continued investment and commitment to providing effective and integrated security solutions.

"Having the scale, breadth of security capability and countrywide coverage that Datacom can provide will enable Microsoft to assist many more customers than is currently possible," she says.

According to Microsoft, MISA's mission is to work with members to provide better security for its shared customers by extending across the security ecosystem to share signals, increase visibility, and protect against cyber threats.

"The Microsoft Intelligent Security Association has grown into a vibrant ecosystem comprising the most reliable and trusted security software vendors across the globe," says MISA lead, Maria Thomson.

"Our members, like Datacom, share Microsoft's commitment to collaboration within the cybersecurity community to improve our customers' ability to predict, detect, and respond to security threats faster."

As a MISA member, Datacom has direct access to Microsoft security specialists to ask questions and gain insights into products and integrated solutions for customers.

The company will also have access to additional threat intelligence sharing opportunities, input into product roadmap reviews and BETA testing of new features and programmes, and access to Microsoft technical experts for a security hackathon. All of which, Evetts says, will be used for the benefit of Datacom customers.

Datacom is one of only three MISA members in New Zealand, and it is the largest organisation in the country to achieve membership status. Microsoft's security association has around 275 members globally.

"Customers need to be confident that their sensitive data, employees' identities, applications, infrastructure, and endpoints are always secure," says Thomson. "We've invested in the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association to provide customers with more options that meet their unique security requirements."

Datacom says the MISA membership is an essential step to ensuring it brings together the best of Microsoft's security solutions and its security expertise and services for the benefit of its customers.