Introducing an MDR Service that Enhances Your Current Security Tools

Open MDR adds 24/7 expert detection and response to existing security tools, unifying endpoint, identity, network, and cloud protection without disruption.

15 January 2026 By Linda Kerr

Most organizations already get solid protection from the security tools they use, but integrating a mix of those tools into a complete, well-coordinated defense remains challenging. Teams are stretched thin, threats move fast, and it takes time and expertise to monitor everything around the clock and respond the moment something looks suspicious.

This is where an open approach to MDR helps meet partners and customers where they are. It layers managed detection and response onto existing security investments without forcing a security tool change or disrupting current workflows. Instead, it unifies activity from those tools under one service that delivers expert monitoring, investigation, and real-time response.

WatchGuard recently launched its Open MDR service, which delivers managed detection and response that works with supported existing security tools. It extends protection across endpoint, identity, network, and cloud without requiring customers to change their stack. This makes the service easy to adopt and practical for partners supporting a wide range of environments.

What Is Open MDR

Open MDR is a managed service that adds expert detection, investigation, and real-time response on top of the tools customers already have. A 24/7 SOC monitors activity, validates threats, and acts immediately, giving organizations continuous coverage and coordinated response without adding internal workload.

Why We Built It

Partners told us they needed a way to deliver MDR without asking customers to switch security tools. Many organizations already run strong tools but don’t have the staff, time, or expertise to monitor alerts around the clock, investigate activity across multiple systems, or respond quickly after hours. Open MDR meets partners where they are, letting them add advanced protection with no rip and replace. It lowers friction, speeds up adoption, and brings MDR to mixed environments that have been hard to cover in the past.

How Open MDR Works

Open MDR brings telemetry from supported tools into one view so threats can be identified and addressed quickly. Continuous monitoring, automated containment, and real-time SOC response work together to stop attacks early. Every incident includes root cause analysis, and proactive threat hunting looks for hidden risks. A unified portal provides oversight, and Technical Account Managers offer ongoing guidance to help partners maintain strong security.

Supported Tools

Open MDR integrates with:

Endpoints: WatchGuard Endpoint, Microsoft Defender, CrowdStrike
Network: WatchGuard Firebox, ThreatSync NDR, select third-party firewalls
Identity: WatchGuard AuthPoint and Okta
Cloud and CSPM: Microsoft 365, Azure, AWS, Google Workspace

This coverage allows partners to secure a wide range of customer environments with one service.

What Makes Open MDR Different

Open MDR brings several advantages to partners and customers:

Works with existing security investments, enhancing current tools without requiring major changes.
Deploys in hours so customers get protection quickly, and partners can deliver value right away.
Rapid detection and response supported by AI and automation to reduce noise and trigger early containment.
A built-in SOC that partners can offer to their customers, providing true 24/7 monitoring and response without building their own.
Endpoint-based pricing that aligns with MSP business models and scales with customer needs.
Clear reporting for QBRs and daily oversight, showing detections and actions in one place.
Technical Account Manager support that provides ongoing guidance, insights, and escalation help to strengthen customer relationships.

Benefits for Partners

Open MDR gives partners a simple way to offer MDR across different customer environments without increasing staffing or operational load. It opens a new managed service revenue stream, provides faster time to protection, and includes reporting and TAM support that help reinforce customer trust and long-term relationships.

Benefits for Customers

Customers gain continuous monitoring, real-time response, and coordinated containment across their environment. They get stronger coverage and fewer gaps without adding tools or managing more consoles, which lowers risk and reduces day-to-day security work.

Open MDR helps partners deliver stronger security through the tools organizations already trust. It simplifies operations, accelerates response, and provides a complete managed service that scales with customer needs. For MSPs and SMBs looking for practical, effective security, Open MDR offers a straightforward way to raise the bar.