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Starting a MSSP (Managed Security Services Provider) business.

Veteran

Alexander Ferrer Atlanta, GA

Hi everyone, Thanks again for volunteering your time to ACP.

I'm in the early stages of organizing and launching a MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider) business with a focus on the healthcare industry (specifically Dental Practices with 2-4 locations).

A bit about my background: I was a Network/SysAdmin for 10 years with the Army. I began my civilian career as a software implementation specialist for one of the largest Dental Technology companies in North America. After 1.5 years in that role I transitioned to Training and Development and accepted the role of Technical Instructional Designer for the same company. After 6 months in that role I accepted a similar position at UPS. After a 1.5 years with UPS I recently resigned to put all my efforts toward finishing my Cyber Security degree from WGU. After 10 years in the Army National Guard simultaneously managing two careers I would rather spend the next 10 years building and sacrificing for my own business.

I have some specific questions; For those of you that have experience working in or running a MSP or IT services company what pricing models did or do you use? Did you use subcontractors at all during the initial implementation of hardware or software? How much "IT" work do you do? Are you resolving issues with clients? What were you start up expenses? When did you hire your first employee?

For those of you with Cyber Security experience how feasible would it be to offer the following services with a team comprised primarily of consultants and contractors for initial implementations and then work with him/her on as needed basis. My plan is to work as PM for initial implementations and eventually be the one who monitors and responds to clients until I can hire an employee.

Services Offered:
Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP)
Managed SIEM
Breach Response Services
Security Operations Management
Threat Intelligence
Monitoring and Alerting Services
Managed Cloud Security
Automated Incident Response
Penetration Testing
Vulnerability Management

Thanks again for taking the timeout to read this post. All advice and suggestions are welcomed!

4 June 2018 2 replies Small Business

Answers

Advisor

Ronnie Wyche Columbia, SC

One key is if it is not your software that you have developed, you will need to find vendors for those areas that you are offering a service.

Understanding their requirements and they understanding yours is key to the relationship. Take your list of services and Google MSSP Channel Partner program. You will see a number of software vendors that will consider letting you even white label their products.

Due to staffing shortages companies are turning to MSSP partners to fill the void.

Thank you for your service too! I am also a veteran and I understand the transition struggles. You picked a hot market.

On stand by,

Ronnie Wyche

A Infragard member

Advisor

Bernard Agrest Tulsa, OK

Hi Alex,

First off, thank you for your service!

While I don’t have any direct experience with running an IT/MSP services company, I do have some experience with running my own side-business. I’d highly recommend you reach out to organizations such as SCORE. This link will have a number of useful organizations that could prove useful as you start the transition to running your own organization!

https://smallbiztrends.com/2015/11/resources-for-veteran-business-owners.html

In addition, I would highly recommend utilizing our Community Feature and reaching out directly to Advisors who have experience in IT or Small Business. Speaking to Advisors who have direct experience in the field that you’re hoping to break into will be invaluable, as they can provide an informed perspective on the pitfalls you will encounter.

I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out directly if you have any additional questions, I’d be happy to speak with you.

Best,

-Bernard.

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