Earlier this year, Michelle Hodges stepped into her new role as senior vice president of global channel alliances at Barracuda. She realized that the company was more than just a cybersecurity vendor with loyal partners. Instead, she saw a platform on the verge of transformation.
In fact, Barracuda has the ability to empower MSPs with innovation, connection, and simplicity, she told ChannelPro. “Barracuda has such a strong foundation in the channel; a loyal, engaged partner base and a brand with real staying power. What’s most exciting is how we’re evolving that legacy into something even more powerful for the future.”
Hodges came to Barracuda in May with a storied technology background. Her career included stints with Ivanti, Intel, VMware, SAP, and Microsoft. Hodges recently sat down with ChannelPro to chat about how Barracuda is redefining partner engagement, ecosystem integration, and growth opportunities for MSPs.
From Trusted Brand to Intelligent Platform
Barracuda’s focus on innovation spans both technology and the human experience. The company has invested heavily in its partner experience, from new incentive models to a reimagined partner portal. The portal features an integrated AI assistant designed to streamline renewals and sales plays.
Barracuda plans to significantly expand its in-person partner engagement events where teams work alongside partners to identify new sales opportunities and strengthen customer relationships. The company aims to combine those events with digital follow-up tools to help partners track outcomes and build on the momentum long after the sessions end.
“We’re going to triple the output and use digital tools to create a living, breathing experience,” Hodges emphasized. “[We will] focus on taking advantage of the opportunity in front of us, and to connect as individuals going forward.”
Michelle Hodges
Strengthening the Ecosystem
For MSPs, integration is often the difference between profitability and frustration. Hodges said Barracuda is laser-focused on expanding its ecosystem and deepening technical integrations across the platforms MSPs use most.
“In our XDR platform, we already have over 40 integrations, and that number is growing as we execute on our PSA and RMM strategy,” she noted. “We want MSPs to have everything they need to deliver exceptional security outcomes without jumping between dashboards.”
An example of that is the recent expansion of its BarracudaONE platform. This added advanced capabilities specifically for MSPs, including:
- Bulk remediation of email threats
- Automated billing and invoicing through PSA integrations
- Streamlined management across multiple customer accounts
Together, these enhancements aim to simplify service delivery.
Barracuda has extended this approach through partnerships with hyperscalers, hardware and ISV partners, and OEM alliances. All of this aims for seamless interoperability and go-to-market efficiency. “We’re building not just connections, but real value across the cybersecurity stack,” Hodges said.
Redefining the Partner Experience
One of Hodges’ near-term priorities is evolving the company’s partner portal and communications framework. The goal, she said, is “precise and meaningful engagement” to inform, certify, and connect Barracuda’s partners.
That includes new enablement programs and certifications under the Barracuda Partner Success Program, which unifies the company’s reseller and MSP tracks. “Many of our partners straddle both worlds,” Hodges explained. “This gives them one cohesive experience and more ways to grow.”
Delivering Managed Value
Barracuda’s managed XDR and managed vulnerability offerings also continue to resonate with MSPs seeking to reduce internal costs while maintaining strong client protection. “Our 24×7 managed SOC gives MSPs the ability to scale security delivery without overextending their teams,” Hodges said.
Opportunity Over Uncertainty
When asked about challenges in the channel, Hodges remains steadfastly optimistic. “I’ve been in this industry long enough to have seen many inflection points — cloud, private cloud, and now AI,” she said. “Each time, people worry it’s the end of something, but it’s really the beginning of something richer and more interesting.”
Her advice for MSPs: Think strategically, act proactively, and view change as opportunity. “Even compliance frameworks like NIS2 can become powerful go-to-market moments. It’s all about how you align your tools, your platform, and your people to make the most of what’s ahead.”
The Road Ahead
Ultimately, Hodges sees the channel’s greatest strength in its adaptability.
“The MSP community is incredibly nimble and passionate about customer success,” she said. “Barracuda’s role is to fuel that passion with innovation and connection so together, we can help customers be more secure, efficient, and ready for whatever comes next.”
Anjali Fluker is senior channel editor for The ChannelPro Network, where she covers news, trends, and best practices for the MSP community. She specializes in telling the stories that matter to IT providers serving the SMB market. When she’s not reporting on the latest in managed services, she’s connecting with channel pros at industry events across the country.
Featured image: AI generated by Microsoft Copilot
