SonicWall is stepping on the gas as it transforms into a platform-based security leader. The cybersecurity vendor unveiled a sweeping set of network security solution updates this week aimed at MSPs and MSSPs. Among the offerings: next-gen firewalls, managed services, and a unified, cloud-native management platform.
Designed to help partners scale more efficiently and profitably, the May 5 launch marks the latest milestone in SonicWall’s ongoing evolution from legacy hardware provider to innovator. The new suite includes:
- High-performance, Next-generation Firewalls (NSa 2800/3800) are built for more demanding SMB environments with advanced threat protection.
- Managed Protection Service Suite (MPSS) Firewall Management with 24/7 monitoring. This allows MSPs of any size to offer managed firewall services backed by SonicWall’s SonicSentry network operations center (NOC) team.
- The cloud-native SonicPlatform, purpose built for MSPs, which dramatically reduces cyber exposure, simplifies operations, and maximizes visibility. It’s also backed by expert, always-on security teams.
- All of this is reinforced by a groundbreaking cyber warranty. SonicWall claims it is the industry’s first tiered cyber warranty of up to $1 million.
For CEO Bob VanKirk, this announcement marks more than a product milestone.
“This is really the culmination of pulling multiple pieces together,” VanKirk told ChannelPro in an interview. “We talked last year about transformation. Now it’s real. This is 1 + 1 = 3 — or even 4. It’s not just a new generation of firewalls. It’s the services, the automation, the platform, and the support all coming together to help partners grow.”
Bob VanKirk
Built for MSPs, Not Just Rebranded for Them
While SonicWall’s core network security business has long included channel partners, the latest offerings are intentionally purpose-built for MSPs. That includes the next-gen firewalls, a single-pane cloud management platform, and one-click Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to replace legacy VPNs.
The biggest shift, according to VanKirk, is operational. The MPSS service includes health checks, patching, and configuration oversight — directly addressing a key source of cyberattacks. “About 90% of breaches happen because of human error, especially on the network security side because the devices haven’t been configured properly,” VanKirk explained. SonicWall saw the need to help its partners configure devices correctly, patch quickly, and manage continuously.
And service providers that use MPSS gain more than expert backup. Through SonicWall’s partnership with Cysurance, qualified devices come with a $100,000 cyber warranty. Managed deployments through MPSS double the cyber warranty protection — up to $200,000 in coverage for eligible customers.
Automation That Scales With Partners
To support the scale partners require, SonicWall has embedded automation and AI across its services. SonicPlatform now includes a new AI agent designed to answer operational questions on the fly. VanKirk said it can identify how many firewalls are unpatched, what versions are deployed, how to upgrade securely, and more.
Automation is essential for MSPs managing thousands of firewalls, he emphasized. With a rising threat volume and risks posed by misconfiguration and unpatched devices, scalable automation is a critical part of modern firewall management.
That real-world value resonates with partners like Greg Starr, channel manager at Meriplex. “By offloading the complexities of firewall management, SonicWall partners will be able to deliver premium security services backed by 24/7 expert support and enhanced cyber warranty protection. This not only strengthens client trust but also opens new revenue opportunities for us as a partner, allowing us to scale and grow more efficiently.”
Meanwhile, Michael Crean, SonicWall executive vice president of managed security services, said this is part of the company’s strategy to help partners succeed. Since SonicWall’s 2023 acquisition of his company, Solutions Granted, Crean has helped build out the global MXDR and co-managed services infrastructure now powering MPSS.
Michael Crean
“We came in with one MDR service. Now we’ve got seven,” Crean told ChannelPro. “We started with one SOC. We’ve got a second in Europe and plans for a third in Asia. We’ve gone from managing firewalls regionally to delivering 24/7 support globally. It’s about helping MSPs extend their bench without blowing up their costs.”
Simplicity, Visibility, and Value
The message behind SonicWall’s upgrades is clear: Partners don’t need to rip and replace to take advantage. The company’s latest tools support Gen 7 and Gen 8 firewalls already in the field, VanKirk shared.
In addition, service providers can expect easy implementation, integrations, and flexible licensing options tailored to the MSSP model. Partners can white-label services, plug into third-party ecosystems, and choose monthly or annual billing. For those still clinging to legacy SSL VPNs, the new ZTNA is easy to deploy and configure, with cloud-native design and step-by-step guidance.
MSPs are increasingly expected to manage more with fewer resources. So, they need tools designed for simplicity and scale. SonicWall’s unified platform is designed to reduce complexity, eliminate unnecessary portals, and streamline security management across all environments.
“We give them the opportunity that now they can have a subject matter expert at their disposal to do whatever it takes inside of that firewall at any time of day,” Crean said. “It truly should make them more profitable, make it easier for them, and make their customers more secure. If we can do those three things on their behalf, that’s a huge victory.”
Reinvention in Action
It’s been a busy year and a half for SonicWall, as the company has rolled out new AI-driven capabilities, revamped its cloud-native architecture, and expanded global services.
Now, with MPSS and SonicPlatform in place, the vision is materializing. “A lot has changed,” Crean said. “Those who think they know SonicWall need to come back and take a look to make sure they understand who the new SonicWall is.”
VanKirk echoed that sentiment. “We’ve come such a long way in just a few years. It’s really a credit to taking the outside-in approach and listening to our partners. We’ve taken their feedback and intentionally focused on capabilities that will enable them to grow their businesses. And as long as they do well, we will do just fine.”
Featured image: iStock
