By R2 Unified Technologies
You're looking for cloud-native information security and event management system; one of the top names that will always pop up will be Microsoft. But no one wants to invest in a security solution just because the name is recognizable. How can you tell whether Azure Sentinel – now named Microsoft Sentinel – is actually right for you?
What is Azure Sentinel?
While Microsoft recently changed the product’s official name from Azure Sentinel to Microsoft Sentinel as part of an overhaul to its larger branding, in practical use they are often used interchangeably by many IT workers (for much the same reasons that Chicagoans still call it the “Sears Tower”). This blog will use both Microsoft Sentinel and Azure Sentinel, but for the sake of clarity, both terms refer to the same product.
Azure Sentinel is a cloud-based security information and event management (SIEM) solution that helps you detect, investigate, and respond to threats across your entire organization. It enables you to collect data from multiple sources, including on-premises and cloud-based systems, into a centralized repository.
You can then use Azure Sentinel's built-in analytics and machine learning capabilities to detect and respond to threats more quickly and effectively.
Microsoft’s Azure Sentinel Pricing
Azure Sentinel has two pricing models: subscription-based and per-node. With the subscription-based model, you pay a monthly fee for each Azure Sentinel workspace. The per-node pricing model charges you a fixed price for each node that you collect data from.
Cloud solutions tend to be very difficult to bill for and very difficult to pay for; it's hard to know exactly what you're paying for and whether that resource usage is necessary. An MSP can make it easier to determine exactly what you're paying for and whether you could be paying too much. They can even audit your current system to determine how much you would be paying in the cloud.
The Benefits of Using Microsoft's Azure Sentinel
Azure Sentinel is an incredibly popular SIEM solution. There are many benefits to using Azure Sentinel, including the following:
- It helps you detect and respond to threats more quickly and effectively.
- It enables you to collect data from multiple sources, including on-premises and cloud-based systems, into a centralized repository.
- It provides built-in analytics and machine learning capabilities.
- It offers two pricing models: subscription-based and per-node.
Azure Sentinel is a powerful security solution that can help you protect your organization from threats. It is important to understand the pricing models and benefits of using Azure Sentinel so that you can choose the right option for your organization.
The Most Notable Features of Microsoft Sentinel
Some of the most notable features of Azure Sentinel include centralization and analytics.
- Centralized depositories: The ability to collect data from multiple sources, including on-premises and cloud-based systems, into a centralized repository.
- Analytics: Built-in analytics and machine learning capabilities mean that Microsoft's security solution will grow and learn as you use it, becoming more effective over time.
Azure Sentinel is a leader within the SIEM industry and can help protect organizations of all sizes and industries from threats. However, it's also important to understand the pricing models behind Azure Sentinel, so you can make the right decision when comparing products.
The Potential Drawbacks of Azure Sentinel
While Azure Sentinel has many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to using the solution. These include the following:
- It is a cloud-based solution. While this introduces flexibility, it also introduces latency. It's more likely that the system could get bogged down by slow internet speeds.
- The subscription-based pricing model may be more expensive for some organizations than the per-node pricing model. In fact, it's better to consult a professional regarding which pricing model you should adhere to; otherwise, you may end up spending more than you think.
There aren't a lot of complaints about Azure Sentinel. It's easy to use and it gets the job done. While there are other solutions available, none of them tap into an ecosystem as large as Microsoft's Sentinel suite.
What is Microsoft Sentinel vs. Azure Sentinel?
There is no difference. As previously mentioned, both names refer to the same product. Microsoft renamed Azure Sentinel to Microsoft Sentinel in November 2021.
Azure Sentinel's Integration with Microsoft Azure
Azure Sentinel integrates with Microsoft Azure so that you can use the cloud-based resources to support your on-premises environment. This way, you can take advantage of the benefits of both worlds.
Microsoft Azure is a popular choice for many organizations because it offers a variety of services, including storage, computing, and networking.
Azure Sentinel can help you save time and money by integrating with Azure. An example: you can use Azure Storage to store your data in the cloud, which can free up space on your premises. In addition, Azure's compute power can be used to run analytics and machine learning algorithms on your data, which can help improve the user experience.
Foremost, when developing a security solution, you do want to ensure that your security solutions play well together. Microsoft's Sentinel solution will also work hand-in-hand with other Azure security systems, such as Microsoft's Endpoint Protector.
Transition to Microsoft’s Azure Sentinel with a Security MSP
If you're looking to transition to Azure Sentinel, or if you're already using the solution and need help managing it, consider working with a security MSP. A security MSP can provide expert guidance on how to use Azure Sentinel to protect your organization from threats. They can also help you manage the solution and ensure that it is running smoothly.
When choosing a security MSP, make sure to select one that has experience working with Azure Sentinel. Not all MSPs are created equal, and you want to make sure that you're working with a company that knows what they're doing. Do some research and read reviews before selecting an MSP.
Interested in Azure Sentinel? R2 Unified Technologies Can Help
As an experienced MSP and Microsoft Partner, R2 Unified Technologies can help you transition to Azure Sentinel with minimal disruption. Our team of experts will audit your existing operations and find ways in which Microsoft's Azure products can help.
Moving to the cloud can be complicated, especially when it comes to security solutions. But it's an inevitability for those who want to remain agile and competitive within their market.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation. 