We’ve seen trends come and go. But is platformisation here to stay? Venkat Balakrishnan, Chief Information Security Officer at TAL shares his opinion on why this is the best approach forward.
The industry is witnessing a forward shift towards ‘platformisation’ – a newish trend that consolidates multiple cyber functions into a single integrated platform. This streamlines operations and enhances efficiency and reduces costs.
“However, in my view, it’s about how you can bring a whole set of closely connected cyber functions into [a] platform… and by doing that, what are the benefits we will be able to harness? And that’s the key driver for this platformisation.” Commented Balakrishnan.
Several key insights have emerged about the benefits and challenges of unifying security tools like endpoint protection and vulnerability discovery into a single platform.
Balakrishnan raised the advantages of platformisation, including reduced complexity in management and a lower total cost of ownership. This streamlined approach allows cybersecurity teams to focus more strategically on emerging threats, optimising their response and mitigation strategies. One of the primary benefits of this consolidation is the reduction in the number of tools required to manage security operations and not having to log into multiple backends to make sense of your security environment.
Balakrishnan went on to say. “As a consumer, especially in the size of the space, it’s a real simplification… What this consolidation allows us is a better management. It also creates more efficiency within the team… There is a direction towards lowering the total cost of ownership.”
By integrating tools for endpoint detection, response, and network security, organisations can decrease operational inefficiencies and improve decision making processes.
Despite the promise of platformisation, transitioning to such a model is fraught with challenges. The challenges being on evaluating when and how to move to a new platform, which does remain a concern for many organisations. According to Balakrishnan, the process is often lengthy and complex, necessitating a well thought out roadmap tailored to each organisation’s specific requirements. A significant challenge lies in managing the cost of change and the overlapping capabilities among vendors.
Organisations must assess vendors’ track records and local support during IT incidents while being mindful of potential future price hikes. These considerations are the main ingredient when forming vendor partnerships.
The cybersecurity industry is no stranger to change, and market trends indicate a gradual shift from hyper focused solutions towards more integrated platforms. Balakrishnan discussed the growing pattern of consolidating cloud security services and the fragmentation in Identity Access Management, which are expected to integrate over time. However, with consolidation comes the risk of vendor complacency. There’s a fear that dominant players might lose touch with customer needs, leading to dissatisfaction and lack of innovation. Balakrishnan reassures that market forces generally balance themselves out, citing examples of formerly dominant companies like BlackBerry, which were replaced as technology and customer needs evolved.
“It’s [platformisation] not done in 12 months. It is a journey. It sometimes take multiple years, but that conscious decision also, like, driving towards that platformisation is necessary.” Added Balakrishnan.
For startups, the rise of platformisation is not a deterrent but an opportunity to address niche problems often overlooked by heavy weights. As these smaller innovators gain traction, many are acquired by bigger firms willing to harness their specialised solutions. Leaders need to focus on ensuring that technological strategies are closely aligned with business goals. Organisations must continue to re-evaluate their setups as the tech terrain evolves, and are always ready to adapt and innovate.
