Spark Business Group joins Microsoft Intelligent Security Association

Spark Business Group has announced its membership in the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), enhancing its cyber security capabilities for Microsoft security solutions targeted at New Zealand organisations. This development promises to bolster its offerings, especially in managed security services for Microsoft's suite of solutions such as Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Purview, and Microsoft 365 Defender.

Spark's managed security services offer comprehensive solutions and advanced expertise across a spectrum of areas that include data security, compliance, privacy, threat protection, cloud security, and identity management specifically tailored for organisations in Aotearoa.

Patric Balmer, Managed Security Service Provider Lead at Spark New Zealand, expressed his pride in joining MISA. "We are incredibly proud to join the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association," he said. "Joining MISA enhances our collaboration with Microsoft, providing us with exclusive technical resources, marketing support, and early access to innovative security solutions, positioning us to deliver unparalleled protection and value to our customers. We look forward to continuing to provide our customers with the highest level of service and support; and on further collaboration and innovation opportunities with Microsoft and other MISA members."

MISA is an association comprising independent software vendors and managed security service providers dedicated to integrating their solutions to fortify defences within an increasingly complex threat landscape. The association also acknowledges the transformative contributions of AI technologies, particularly generative AI, in revolutionising the cybersecurity ecosystem.

Parri Munsell, Senior Director, Security Partner Marketing at Microsoft, welcomed Spark Business Group to the association. "I am pleased to have Spark Business Group join us as a partner in the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association," he commented. "By including our strategic Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs) in MISA, we help enable further collaboration between cybersecurity industry leaders in protecting and supporting our joint customers."