Apprentice Information Systems Builds a Scalable, Security-First MSP with WatchGuard Endpoint Solutions
For over two decades, Apprentice Information Systems has built its reputation on trust, service, and deep technical expertise, particularly within the state and local government sector. Like many managed service providers (MSPs), Apprentice often supported a wide range of client environments, managing the mix of security tools already in place.
Over time, that approach created growing challenges. Disparate antivirus solutions, complex licensing, and limited integration made it difficult to maintain consistency across clients. Combined with a reactive, break-fix model where technicians frequently had to remediate infected machines, security operations became increasingly difficult to scale, especially with clients spread across Arkansas.
As cyber threats intensified and client environments grew more complex, Apprentice recognized the need for a more unified, proactive approach to security. That turning point led them to WatchGuard.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Alignment
Apprentice initially adopted WatchGuard for network security, replacing legacy solutions like Linksys with more advanced, enterprise-grade firewall technology. What immediately stood out was the platform’s flexibility and visibility. “We went through some of the big hitters, like Cisco Meraki,” explains David Rivera, Vice President at Apprentice. But that all changed when they discovered WatchGuard. He adds, “The ability to customize our licensing to our clients’ needs and see it all from a single pane of glass was a dramatic improvement.”
Beyond the technology, the partnership itself quickly became just as valuable. The accessibility and alignment with the WatchGuard team reinforced Apprentice’s decision, giving them not just a powerful solution but a true partner invested in their success. “I’m just a number with somebody else. (But WatchGuard was) right in tow with us. The same mission, the same type of goals, and the same type of people.” For Donovan, that accessibility made a measurable difference: “Being able to have a single person that I can talk to – I’ve even got him on Teams. I don’t have another partner that does that.”
Why Endpoint Was the Natural Next Step
After seeing success with network security, expanding into endpoint protection was a logical progression. As David describes, “Our previous antivirus was an absolute nightmare from a licensing perspective. It was very difficult to get and move licensing.” Following a security incident and internal evaluation, Apprentice decided they needed a stronger, more integrated approach. “When looking for that solution, we immediately looked to our current partners.” WatchGuard Endpoint Security 360 stood out for its performance, simplicity, and alignment with their existing stack: “We wanted a lightweight solution and WatchGuard was like, ‘sure, here you go.’”
Integration also played a critical role. Apprentice wanted endpoint and network security to function as a unified system, not disconnected tools. “Having an antivirus software and a firewall that doesn’t really work well together was something we wanted to prevent.”
When the time came to roll out Endpoint Security 360, the results were immediate, even under pressure. Donovan explains, “We ended up having an incident, which necessitated us quickly switching a large number of client endpoints. The way that the team at WatchGuard worked with us on pricing to make it something that we could stomach was fantastic.” David adds: “It was quite quick. We were able to create MSI installers for each of our sites and push that through, whether it was our RMM or we had people go on site. It was not difficult at all.”
Just as impactful was the improvement in licensing management: “Our ability to manage our licensing today is wonderful compared to what it was before WatchGuard.” With WatchGuard, Donovan adds, it’s “very simple.”
As Apprentice matured its endpoint strategy, adding Managed Detection and Response (MDR) was an easy next step and one that delivered immediate value.
“The deployment of MDR was pretty much just (like turning on) a light switch. We were able to turn that subscription on, and it was a huge leap in security for our clients.” What stood out most was WatchGuard’s collaborative approach: “Other solutions wanted to say, ‘shut the door, we’ll tell you when there’s a problem.’ WatchGuard was like, ‘Hey, we’ll work with you.” We want you to see what we see.’”
For Apprentice, that level of visibility and true partnership reinforced their decision, making endpoint protection into a fully integrated, scalable security foundation.
Delivering Enterprise-Grade Security at MSP Scale
With WatchGuard endpoint, MDR, and network security fully integrated, Apprentice now delivers a unified security stack across its client base leveraging a platform purpose-built for managed service providers. David highlights WatchGuard’s MSP-focused approach and unusually collaborative model, noting their willingness to work closely with partners and provide full visibility into what they see. Clear visibility, combined with automation, has enabled Apprentice to scale without increasing headcount. Donovan shares: “Being able to support a growing endpoint environment without having to add extra headcount has been good.”
The operational impact has also improved dramatically. “We went from doing two or three [repairs] a week and I think we did seven last year, which had nothing to do with maliciousness.” Even more important is the shift in client experience: “We knew about issues before our client did. It changes the relationship because we’re ahead of the curveball.”
Apprentice’s strong security posture has also become a competitive advantage. “We leverage that we have a really strong security portfolio,” Donovan explains. “If someone’s experiencing (security) pain points, we’re able to walk in and say that we’re going to give you the best protection possible.” David adds: “We do actually pick up clients because our security posture is the way it is they reached out to us because they felt their vendor didn’t take security seriously.”
More Than a Vendor, a True Partner
Beyond technology, Apprentice emphasizes WatchGuard’s partner-first mindset. “It’s hard to quantify just how important that is,” Donovan says. “You guys are working with us to make sure we can take care of our clients.” David agrees: “Whenever we have an issue, the response has always been tremendously quick and you understand our clients.”
For partners who still see WatchGuard as just a firewall vendor, Donovan offers clear advice: “If you’re an MSP and you’re not using WatchGuard, you haven’t been listening. WatchGuard’s single pane of glass and the ability to see the analytics, you’re not going to see that anywhere else.” Donovan added, “When you stack (WatchGuard’s solutions) all together, it’s a great experience.”
And David agrees: “If MSPs are picking something else, they haven’t been paying attention.”