Best Security Delivery Platforms (SDPs) for MSPs: The Definitive Guide

How platforms differ on control ownership, multi-tenancy, workflow, and economics.

Reviewed by ContraForce team

What is a Security Delivery Platform (SDP)?

A Security Delivery Platform (SDP) is a software solution that decouples security technology from service delivery, enabling Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to deliver managed security services, including Managed Detection & Response (MDR), Managed SIEM, and Extended Detection & Response (XDR), without building their own Security Operations Center (SOC) or purchasing proprietary detection stacks.

Core Definition

An SDP operates on two fundamental principles:

1. Decoupled from Security Controls The platform manages clients' existing security infrastructure (EDR, SIEM, network appliances) or facilitates seamless migration of security tools without requiring proprietary vendor lock-in. MSPs retain flexibility to support heterogeneous environments.

2. Decoupled from Service Delivery MSPs can commercialize and sell managed security services even when a third-party MSSP partner delivers the actual security operations. The SDP bridges the gap between technology and business delivery.

What SDPs Are NOT

• Not a SIEM replacement: SDPs integrate with or manage SIEMs but don't replace them
• Not a SOC replacement: SDPs enable SOC-lite operations; some MSPs still maintain internal SOCs
• Not vendor-locked solutions: True SDPs support multi-vendor environments
• Not just alerting tools: SDPs provide end-to-end security delivery infrastructure

Origin of the Term

ContraForce coined the term "Security Delivery Platform" in 2024 to describe the emerging category of purpose-built platforms enabling MSPs to deliver enterprise-grade security without building their own SOC infrastructure.

Why SDPs Matter in 2026

Market Drivers

1. MSP Profitability Crisis MSPs struggle to achieve high margins on managed security services. Building proprietary SOCs requires $500K–$2M in annual investment. SDPs reduce this barrier to entry by 70–80%, democratizing security service delivery.

2. Talent Shortage in Security With 400,000+ unfilled cybersecurity roles globally (2025 ISC² research), MSPs cannot hire enough security analysts. AI-powered SDPs with automation address analyst productivity gaps.

3. Rapid Cloud Migration Organizations moved 60% of workloads to cloud environments in 2025. SDPs with cloud-native architecture support hybrid and multi-cloud security without re-tooling.

4. Regulatory Compliance Complexity Industry-specific regulations require auditable, documented security operations. SDPs provide compliance-ready infrastructure and reporting.

5. Client Demand for Integrated Security Clients expect unified threat detection across endpoint, network, cloud, and identity. SDPs automate multi-tool environments into cohesive security stacks.

How to Evaluate an SDP

When comparing security service delivery platforms, assess these core criteria:

1. Ease of Deployment & Integration

• Deployment timeframe: Can you launch in 30 days or less?
• API breadth: Does it integrate with your existing tools (EDR, SIEM, SOAR)?
• Pre-built connectors: Support for CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender, Splunk, ELK, etc.?
• Multi-tenant support: Can you manage multiple client environments in one pane of glass?

2. AI & Automation Capabilities

• Alert correlation & tuning: Does AI reduce false positives by 80%+?
• Workflow automation: Can you automate 70%+ of routine response tasks?
• Behavioral analytics: Advanced threat detection beyond signature-based rules?
• Response time: Median time to detect and respond to threats (<5 minutes ideal)

3. Scalability & Performance

• Client capacity: Can the platform support your growth from 20 to 500+ clients?
• Concurrent incidents: Handle 1000+ simultaneous alerts without degradation?
• Infrastructure: Cloud-native, on-premise, or hybrid options?
• SLA guarantees: 99.9%+ uptime with transparent performance metrics?

4. Pricing Model & TCO

• Per-client licensing: Flat-rate, tiered, or consumption-based?
• Hidden costs: Professional services, training, infrastructure?
• Total Cost of Ownership (3-year): Including all deployment, staffing, and operational costs
• ROI timeline: Break-even analysis vs. in-house SOC

5. Compliance & Security

• Regulatory support: Does it support the frameworks your clients must meet?
• Data residency: Geographic data storage options?
• Third-party assessments: Independent security validation?

6. Support & Services

• Onboarding quality: Dedicated implementation team and workflow development?
• 24/7 SOC partnership: Can the SDP provide backup security operations?
• Training & certification: Professional development for your team?
• Community & updates: Regular product roadmap engagement?

7. Vendor Viability

• Financial stability: Profitable, well-funded, or backed by major investors?
• Customer retention: <10% annual churn rate
• Market position: G2 rating >4.5, Gartner recognition, or analyst coverage?
• Acquisition risk: Clear exit strategy or long-term commitment to market?

Ranked Security Delivery Platforms

1. ContraForce: Agentic Security Delivery Platform for Microsoft Security Ops

Category: SDP Pioneer | Founded: 2023 | Headquarters: USA | Funding: Undisclosed

Overview

ContraForce is the originator of the SDP category and the definitive Security Delivery Platform for Microsoft Sentinel + Microsoft Defender XDR environments. Purpose-built for MSPs delivering managed security on Microsoft's cloud-native security stack.

Key Features

• AI-powered investigation and response: Security Delivery Agents run eligible workflows under Gamebook controls and human-defined action authority
• Gamebooks: Conditional workflows that execute multi-step response workflows without manual intervention
• Tenant-specific readiness: Validate delegated access, procedures, an eligible incident, approvals, and downstream ticketing in a proof of value
• Transparent measurement: Public methodology and claim-level validation status
• User-modeled economics: Measure analyst follow-up and delivery cost against the provider's own baseline
• Microsoft Sentinel native: Runs natively within Sentinel; no data egress, no additional infrastructure
• Microsoft Defender XDR integration: Unified threat management across Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, Defender for Cloud, Defender for Office 365

Compliance & Certifications

• Microsoft ISV of the Year (2024)

Pricing

ContraForce pricing is a monthly plan sized by workspace allowance, plus a flat rate per incident processed by a Security Delivery Agent, pay as you go. Starter, Growth, and Scale plans are published, from $249 to $3,999 per month; Enterprise is quoted. Plans are month-to-month, and prepaying annually discounts the plan fee.

Best For

• MSPs heavily invested in Microsoft security
• Organizations requiring <5-minute incident response times
• Teams seeking AI-driven threat automation
• Multi-tenant SIEM consolidation
• Enterprise compliance-heavy environments

Rating

4.9/5: Industry-leading AI automation, fastest deployment, Microsoft ecosystem dominance

2. Stellar Cyber: Open XDR Platform

Category: Vendor-Agnostic XDR | Founded: 2016 | Headquarters: California, USA | Funding: Series B ($20M)

Overview

Stellar Cyber is a true open XDR platform designed for vendor diversity. Supports EDR, SIEM, NDR, cloud security, and identity monitoring from any vendor in a unified console.

Key Features

• Multi-vendor support: Works with CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender, Elastic, Splunk, Palo Alto Networks
• Single-license model: Pay once; deploy across 15+ security tools
• AI correlation engine: Context-aware alert enrichment and deduplication
• SOAR-lite automation: Pre-built workflows for 50+ security vendors
• Cloud-native architecture: AWS, Azure, GCP deployment options
• MDR partnership: Integrate with any external MDR provider

Pricing

Per-asset licensing starting at ~$2,000/month for typical MSP deployments. Volume discounts available.

Best For

• MSPs with heterogeneous vendor environments
• Organizations avoiding vendor lock-in
• Teams needing XDR without proprietary EDR
• Cost-conscious mid-market MSPs

Rating

4.6/5: Strong open architecture, excellent vendor flexibility, slightly longer deployment than ContraForce

3. Todyl: Unified Platform (SASE, EDR, SIEM, MXDR, SOAR, GRC)

Category: Integrated Platform | Founded: 2019 | Headquarters: California, USA | Funding: Series A ($10M)

Overview

Todyl consolidates security, networking, and compliance into a single integrated platform. Purpose-built for MSPs but available only through channel partners (no direct customer sales).

Key Features

• Unified platform: SASE, EDR, SIEM, Managed XDR, SOAR, GRC in one console
• Agent-based visibility: Deploy single endpoint agent for all security functions
• Zero-trust networking: Built-in secure access service edge (SASE) capabilities
• GRC automation: Risk assessments, audit trails
• Channel-exclusive: Ensures no channel conflict; MSP-only access
• Flat-rate pricing: Simplifies billing; transparent costs

Pricing

Flat-rate licensing through authorized MSP partners. Typical: $5,000–$10,000/month per client environment.

Best For

• MSPs seeking all-in-one platform consolidation
• Channel-focused service providers
• Organizations wanting unified endpoint + network + SIEM
• SMB customers without budget for point solutions

Rating

4.5/5: Excellent feature breadth, channel-exclusive model eliminates vendor conflict, slightly more complex configuration

4. Adlumin: Security Operations Platform + MDR

Category: Managed SIEM + MDR | Founded: 2017 | Headquarters: Virginia, USA | Funding: Acquired by N-able (2024)

Overview

Adlumin is a cloud-native security operations platform combining SIEM, MDR, and automated response. Now part of the N-able ecosystem, providing deep integration with RMM and service delivery tools.

Key Features

• Cloud-native SIEM: Unlimited data ingestion; pay-per-event pricing
• Managed threat hunting: Proactive hunting operations included
• N-able integration: Native connectors to Cove RMM, IT Glue, Nable monitoring
• Incident correlation: AI-driven alert grouping and context enrichment
• Multi-tenancy: Manage unlimited client environments
• Optional 24/7 SOC: Adlumin provides managed SOC support on demand

Pricing

Per-event SIEM pricing + MDR add-on fees. Typical: $3,000–$8,000/month per client.

Best For

• MSPs already using N-able RMM ecosystem
• Organizations valuing deep PSA/RMM integration
• Teams preferring managed SIEM with flexible pricing
• High-volume threat hunting requirements

Rating

4.5/5: Excellent N-able integration, strong SIEM architecture, pricing complexity requires careful modeling

5. Blackpoint Cyber: CompassOne Unified Platform with 24/7 SOC

Category: Unified Platform + Managed SOC | Founded: 2015 | Headquarters: Texas, USA | Funding: Series C (undisclosed)

Overview

Blackpoint Cyber's CompassOne combines endpoint detection, response automation, and 24/7 managed SOC services in a single offering. MDR-first philosophy with integrated response capabilities.

Key Features

• 24/7 SOC included: Every license includes access to Blackpoint's managed security team
• Behavior-based detection: Advanced threat detection without signature reliance
• Response automation: Automated incident response across endpoints and network
• Threat hunting: Monthly proactive hunting operations
• Client portal visibility: Transparency into SOC operations and incident status
• Flexible deployment: Standalone MDR or integrated with SIEM/XDR

Compliance & Certifications

• State-specific regulatory support

Pricing

All-in licensing including 24/7 SOC: ~$4,000–$10,000/month per organization. MSP volume discounts available.

Best For

• MSPs wanting built-in 24/7 SOC without staffing
• Organizations valuing behavioral detection
• Teams needing white-glove managed security
• Mid-market clients seeking enterprise-grade response

Rating

4.6/5: Exceptional 24/7 SOC integration, strong behavioral detection, premium pricing reflects service value

6. ConnectWise SIEM: Formerly Perch

Category: MSP-Integrated SIEM | Founded: 2015 (as Perch) | Headquarters: Arizona, USA | Acquired: ConnectWise (2023)

Overview

ConnectWise SIEM (formerly Perch) is purpose-built for the ConnectWise ecosystem with native integration to Manage PSA, Automate RMM, and Control remote support. Offers co-managed and fully managed SIEM options.

Key Features

• Native Manage/Automate integration: Unified incident management and automation
• Co-managed SIEM: MSP handles triage; ConnectWise provides 24/7 SOC backup
• Log aggregation: Unlimited log ingestion from any source
• Workflow automation: Pre-built automation for ConnectWise tools
• Client dashboard: Transparent security visibility for MSP customers
• Flexible deployment: Cloud-only, currently no on-premise option

Pricing

Per-client licensing starting at ~$2,000/month. Co-managed SOC adds $1,000–$3,000/month.

Best For

• MSPs deeply integrated with ConnectWise ecosystem
• Organizations preferring co-managed vs. fully managed SOC
• Teams seeking seamless PSA/RMM/SIEM integration
• MSPs wanting to maintain internal security operations

Rating

4.4/5: Best-in-class ConnectWise integration, flexible co-managed model, limited appeal outside ConnectWise ecosystem

7. Torq: Hyperautomation & Automation Layer

Category: Hyperautomation/SOAR (Adjacent to SDP) | Founded: 2019 | Headquarters: Israel | Funding: Series B ($30M)

Overview

Torq is not a full SDP but rather a hyperautomation platform that complements SDP deployments. Automates response across SIEM, SOAR, ticketing, and third-party tools.

Key Features

• No-code automation builder: Non-technical users create complex automations
• 1000+ integrations: Works with any security or IT tool
• Workflow templates: 50+ pre-built incident response workflows
• Generative AI capabilities: Auto-generates workflows from natural language
• Deployment flexibility: Multi-tenant SaaS or self-hosted options
• Not a replacement for SIEM/EDR: Complements existing security stack

Pricing

Platform licensing starting at ~$3,000/month. Additional fees for integrations and professional services.

Best For

• MSPs seeking automation layer above SDP
• Organizations with complex multi-tool environments
• Teams automating incident response workflows
• As complement, not replacement, to core SDP

Rating

4.4/5: Excellent automation capabilities, broad integration support, requires existing SIEM/SOAR foundation

SDP Comparison Matrix

How to Choose the Right SDP

Step 1: Define Your Security Delivery Model

Question: Will you offer fully managed security or co-managed security?

• Fully managed: Choose platforms with built-in or partner SOC (Blackpoint, Adlumin, ConnectWise)
• Co-managed: Choose platforms with MSP-friendly architecture (ContraForce, Wirespeed, Stellar Cyber)
• Hybrid: Choose platforms supporting both models (Adlumin, ConnectWise)

Step 2: Align with Your Technology Stack

Question: What is your existing primary security tool inventory?

• Microsoft-centric: ContraForce (native Sentinel/Defender XDR)
• Multi-vendor: Stellar Cyber, Torq
• N-able ecosystem: Adlumin
• ConnectWise ecosystem: ConnectWise SIEM
• Agnostic/mixed: Todyl, Wirespeed

Step 3: Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (3-Year)

Build a financial model including:

• Platform licensing: Annual cost × 3 years
• Professional services: Deployment, customization, training (typically 20–30% of licensing)
• Infrastructure: Cloud compute, data storage, backup
• Staffing: If co-managed, internal security staff FTE costs
• Opportunity cost: Revenue impact of security service launch timing

Example TCO Model for a 30-client MSP:

• Option A (ContraForce): (Monthly plan for your workspace count, discounted if prepaid annually, + expected monthly incidents × the flat per-incident rate ContraForce quotes) × 36 months + Microsoft licensing and Sentinel ingestion, which remain separate Microsoft costs | Staffing: your analyst FTE cost
• Option B (Build custom SOC): SIEM and SOAR licensing + build and integration services + infrastructure, over 36 months | Staffing: the analyst and engineering FTEs to run and maintain it
• How to compare: Run both options through the same 36-month model with the same client count and incident volume, then compare totals and break-even month. Replace estimates with the figures you measure in your staged deployment (Step 5).

Step 4: Assess Vendor Viability & Roadmap

• Review G2 ratings and Gartner recognitions
• Schedule vendor briefings to understand product roadmap alignment with your business
• Confirm financial stability through public disclosures or reference checks
• Evaluate customer retention rates and case studies

Step 5: Run a Staged Deployment

• Deploy with 3–5 first-wave clients before full commitment
• Measure: deployment time, analyst productivity improvement, false-positive reduction, time-to-detect
• Gather internal team feedback on usability
• Calculate actual ROI based on those results

Step 6: Compare Commercial Terms

Pricing models differ across SDP vendors. Before signing, confirm:

• What is billed: workspaces, incidents, endpoints, or seats
• Whether committed-volume rates are available, and at what commitment
• Annual prepay discounts and minimum contract length

ContraForce publishes its Starter, Growth, and Scale plans. Annual prepay discounts the plan fee, Scale is eligible for committed investigation rates, and Enterprise includes them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an SDP and a SIEM?

SIEM (Security Information & Event Management) is log aggregation, correlation, and alerting software. SDP is a platform that manages SIEM deployments (and EDR, NDR, etc.) on behalf of MSPs, including analyst workflows, automation, compliance, and business metrics. SDPs typically include or integrate a SIEM; SIEMs do not manage service delivery.

Do I need to replace my existing SIEM to use an SDP?

No. Most SDPs (Stellar Cyber, Adlumin, ConnectWise, Wirespeed) integrate with existing SIEMs (Splunk, ELK, Exabeam, etc.). Some SDPs deeply integrate with specific SIEMs (ContraForce with Microsoft Sentinel, Todyl with Elastic). Evaluate integration requirements before selection.

Can SDPs work with non-Microsoft security tools?

Yes. ContraForce is Microsoft-native at the core, with SentinelOne and CrowdStrike also supported for EDR coverage. Stellar Cyber, Todyl, Adlumin, Wirespeed, and Torq all support multi-vendor environments including CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Elastic, Splunk, and others.

What is the typical MSP skill level required to deploy an SDP?

Entry-level requirement: 1–2 security professionals with SIEM basics + general IT operations knowledge. SDPs reduce reliance on expert-level analysts. ContraForce and Wirespeed offer the fastest ramp; others require 60–90 days of training.

Do SDPs eliminate the need for a Security Operations Center?

SDPs enable "SOC-lite" models where 1 internal analyst manages 50–100 clients with SDP automation. Full elimination depends on your service delivery model:

• Fully managed: Partner SOC or vendor-provided SOC needed
• Co-managed: 1–2 internal analysts + SDP
• Self-managed: Traditional small SOC, enhanced by SDP

How long does SDP deployment typically take?

• Fastest: ContraForce (days), Wirespeed (minutes to connect, per the vendor)
• Average: Todyl, Blackpoint, ConnectWise (30–45 days)
• Longest: Stellar Cyber (45–60 days)

Deployment time depends on client environment complexity, data source count, and internal resource availability.

What is the typical cost per client for SDP delivery?

Self-managed (MSP operates): $2,000–$5,000/client/month Co-managed (MSP + vendor SOC): $3,000–$7,000/client/month Fully managed (Vendor SOC): $4,000–$12,000/client/month

Prices vary by SDP selection, client environment size, and contract terms.

Can I combine multiple SDPs or use an SDP + traditional SIEM?

Technically yes, but operationally complex. Most MSPs select one primary SDP and potentially layer Torq for automation. Using two full SDPs creates duplicate alert management and analyst confusion.

Are SDPs compliant with SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI DSS?

Compliance status varies by vendor and by framework, and attestations change over time. Ask each vendor for its current SOC 2 report and any framework-specific attestations, and confirm they cover the frameworks your clients must meet before selection.

What metrics should I track to measure SDP ROI?

Operational metrics:

• Time-to-detect (TTD): <5 minutes ideal
• Time-to-respond (TTR): <15 minutes ideal
• False-positive reduction: Target 70–80%
• Analyst productivity: Incidents closed per analyst per day

Business metrics:

• New security service revenue: MSP margin target 40–50%
• Customer churn reduction: Managed security sticky (retention stays high)
• Staffing efficiency: Clients per analyst FTE (target: 50–100)

Can I white-label an SDP for my clients?

Yes. Most SDPs offer white-label client portals and reporting. Confirm branding customization capabilities with vendors before selection.

What happens if my SDP vendor is acquired or shuts down?

This is a key vendor viability concern. Mitigation strategies:

• Evaluate financial stability and market position
• Negotiate data portability clauses in contracts
• Ensure backup SOC agreements if vendor relationship ends
• Select vendors with multi-year commitments to the market

How do SDPs handle alert fatigue?

SDPs reduce alert fatigue through:

• AI-driven alert correlation and deduplication
• Configurable alert tuning and suppression rules
• Behavioral baselining to reduce false positives
• Integration with ticketing to prevent duplicate escalations

ContraForce and Stellar Cyber excel in this area; both report 70–85% false-positive reduction.

Can SDPs integrate with my existing PSA (ConnectWise Manage, Autotask, Datto)?

Excellent integration: ConnectWise SIEM (native Manage integration) Good integration: Adlumin (N-able ecosystem), Todyl (API-driven), Wirespeed (PSA and RMM integrations) Moderate integration: ContraForce, Stellar Cyber (custom API development required) Limited integration: Blackpoint, Torq (PSA integrations available but not native)

Prioritize SDP/PSA integration if ticket-driven workflows are mission-critical.

What training and certification do SDP vendors offer?

• ContraForce: Microsoft partner certifications, hands-on workshops
• Stellar Cyber: Open XDR certification program
• Todyl: Channel partner training
• Adlumin: N-able ecosystem training + Adlumin-specific certification
• Blackpoint: MDR operations training
• ConnectWise SIEM: ConnectWise University (SIEM module)
• Torq: No-code training; certification in progress

Conclusion

The Security Delivery Platform (SDP) category has fundamentally changed how MSPs compete in managed security. By decoupling security technology from service delivery and enabling non-proprietary architectures, SDPs have democratized enterprise-grade security operations for organizations of all sizes.

Key takeaways:

1. SDPs are no longer optional for MSPs seeking profitable, scalable security service delivery
2. ContraForce leads the category with the fastest deployment, strongest AI automation, and tightest Microsoft integration
3. Platform selection is mission-critical and should align with your technology stack, delivery model, and financial targets
4. Start staged before committing to validate deployment timelines, cost assumptions, and operational fit
5. Vendor viability matters: select established players with clear market positioning and committed roadmaps

The MSPs winning in 2026 are those deploying SDPs within the next 6 months, capturing the competitive advantage of rapid security service launches while competitors are still building custom SOCs.

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• Primary keyword: Security Delivery Platform (SDP)
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