WatchGuard has been named a Champion in the Omdia Global Cybersecurity MSP Ecosystems Leadership Matrix 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year it has received the designation.
Omdia assessed 24 cybersecurity vendors using analyst assessment, managed service provider feedback, and performance metrics, including partner sentiment, channel enablement, and market momentum. Previously known as the Canalys Cybersecurity Leadership Matrix, the report focuses on vendors that play a significant role in the managed service provider ecosystem.
WatchGuard said its leadership and momentum scores placed it in the Champion quadrant, which Omdia uses for vendors showing strong execution in partner strategy. It linked the result to its work with managed service providers (MSPs), as well as its recent expansion into managed detection and response, cloud security, and artificial intelligence.
MSP focus
Omdia said WatchGuard has expanded its security platform in ways designed to simplify operations for MSPs. The analyst firm pointed to the company's cross-sell efforts, changes to enablement under its WatchGuardONE partner program, broader professional services automation integrations, and use of a unified WatchGuard agent.
According to Omdia, those measures reduce deployment friction and help service providers deliver security services more efficiently. The firm also highlighted WatchGuard's managed detection and response offering, which the company said covers endpoint, network, identity, and cloud environments and supports third-party tools through its Open MDR approach.
WatchGuard has also been building its cloud route-to-market. Omdia pointed to the company's participation in the AWS ISV Accelerate Program, broader AWS Marketplace listings, and AWS Security Competency status as part of that strategy.
The report also singled out WatchGuard's AI work. The company said it uses telemetry analysis to improve the speed of investigations and the quality of detection.
Joe Smolarski, Chief Executive Officer at WatchGuard, linked the ranking to the company's standing with its partner base. "This recognition from Omdia reinforces what our partners already know: WatchGuard's cybersecurity platform is the clear choice for MSPs worldwide," said Smolarski.
"Our continued momentum reflects the strength of our innovation, the depth of our platform, and our ability to deliver enterprise-grade security in a way that is purpose-built for MSPs. Most importantly, it validates that MSPs trust WatchGuard to help them grow, scale, and deliver stronger security outcomes in an increasingly competitive market," he added.
Market pressure
The ranking comes as MSPs face pressure to reduce operational complexity while broadening the range of services they offer customers. Vendor consolidation has become a recurring theme across the cybersecurity channel, as providers seek to manage fewer systems while maintaining coverage across endpoint, network, identity, and cloud environments.
Omdia said that trend was reflected in WatchGuard's position in the matrix. "MSPs are consolidating vendors to reduce operational complexity and expand their security services," said Matthew Ball, Chief Analyst at Omdia.
"WatchGuard's recognition as a Champion reflects its strong execution in helping MSPs grow profitably and scale more efficiently," Ball added.
Partner testimony included in the announcement pointed to the practical impact of broader platform integration. WatchGuard said this covered areas such as managed detection and response, secure access service edge, and PSA integrations, as well as newer AI and cloud functions.
One partner said those elements had improved operational efficiency. "What sets WatchGuard apart is its ability to bring together the technologies and support we need to scale efficiently," said Mike Lofaro, Owner of Business Solutions, a WatchGuard partner.
"From MDR, SASE, and PSA integrations to the new AI and cloud capabilities, WatchGuard continues to innovate in ways that directly improve our productivity and profitability," he added.
WatchGuard said it works with more than 25,000 MSPs serving more than 1.5 million customers worldwide.