MSPs Still Need To Consider Security When Configuring A Multi-Tenant Environment

By Steve Jurczak, Carbonite

Multi-tenancy simplifies work for MSPs because it allows them to manage multiple clients through a single instance of software and infrastructure. And even though the customers share the same database, the data for each customer is logically separated, so there’s no mechanism by which gaining access to one tenant will allow access to another. Not only does it simplify work for MSPs, it also reduces costs because customers are hosted in a shared environment, reducing the cost of the software and optimizing storage capacity utilization.

Through the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, like Carbonite® Server, MSPs can further save time and money. SaaS environments enable MSPs to easily integrate software with other applications through the use of application programming interfaces (APIs). Plus, since the infrastructure belongs to the vendor, MSPs are absolved of the responsibility of maintaining the environment.

While the benefits of multi-tenancy outweigh the risks, MSPs still need to consider security when configuring a multi-tenant environment. Access to the environment must be controlled so customers view only their data.