The security infrastructure enabling the AI revolution
Technology
Akamai and CyberArk are showing strong momentum in developer interest, according to AnteData’s coding activity data. Repositories related to the two companies’ software platforms are frequently forked and starred - clear signals of rising popularity and adoption among developers. This surge aligns with growing Google search interest and reflects their central role in securing the infrastructure that powers the AI boom. In general, AnteData’s coding activity shows that security companies focused on protecting communication layers - like AKAM, Cloudflare and CYBR - are outperforming those focused purely on asset protection, such as Tenable or CrowdStrike. Evidently, in this new wave of Machine-to-Machine communication, speed, security and connectivity matter more than ever.
Edition: 217
- 08 August, 2025
Channel Chatter: Regional Security VAR, ESX Conference, BEAD
Technology
SPR’s recent channel conversations highlight growing traction for emerging vendors like Onum and Cribl, which optimise SIEM data flow and reduce Splunk renewal costs. CrowdStrike remains a standout with strong SIEM growth and aggressive sales execution, though channel favouritism limits broader access. Cloudflare, despite a strong product, struggles with channel inefficiencies, while Fortinet is gaining share in select regions but not winning new logos with Lacework. Cisco’s security momentum may be challenged by the departure of Gary Steele. Meanwhile, BEAD funding delays and policy shifts are hurting traditional fibre and “turf” vendors, as fixed wireless and satellite gain favour. At ESX, Napco remains a solid player, but growth has normalised post-3G sunset.
Edition: 215
- 11 July, 2025
Cybersecurity: Potential SEC investigations
Technology
Last October the SEC charged SolarWinds and its chief information security officer with fraud. This report looks at other companies in the cybersecurity industry that may have similar risks to an SEC investigation. Based on Veritas' Freedom of Information Act work, they received confirmations from the SEC pertaining to 15 publicly-listed cybersecurity stocks. Out of the 15 issuers confirmed, 2 attracted SEC scrutiny. Stocks mentioned: Palo Alto, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Zscaler, Cloudflare, Check Point, Okta, Gen Digital, CyberArk, SentinelOne, Qualys, Tenable, Varonis, Rapid7 and SecureWorks.
Edition: 186
- 17 May, 2024
Technology
SPR’s latest channel checks have picked up more examples of ZS being replaced, primarily by Palo Alto, but also by Netskope as well as customers switching to Cloudflare and Cato Networks. One regional VAR commented "ZS is looking worse, more discounting and deal flow is slowing”, while another said “Customer feedback, or perception, is that ZS functionality in CASB, DLP, and Zero Trust is falling behind PANW and Netskope". Elsewhere, SPR has picked up some signs of improvement for SentinelOne, while views on CrowdStrike have been fairly positive and a little better than the mixed views from the past few quarters.
Edition: 160
- 12 May, 2023
Security software earnings quality comparison
Technology
BTN’s earnings quality comparison on six of the major security software players (Cloudflare, Palo Alto Networks, Okta, Fortinet, Zscaler and CrowdStrike) examines factors such as relative dependence on stock options and policies regarding capitalised software, sales commissions, network depreciation, and aggressiveness of non-GAAP adjustments. The report ranks the company from most to least aggressive.
Edition: 137
- 10 June, 2022
Technology Trends: Change, disruption and opportunity in 2022
1) The acceleration from legacy security solutions to the newer generation of solutions - SASE / shake-up of enterprise networking and network security (Zscaler, Cloudflare, Palo Alto Networks).
2) Leverage of AI in cloud-based communications and collaboration (CCaaS) to the advantage of vendors who are separating themselves from commodity services and pricing (Five9, NICE). Changing competitive landscape as Zoom, Microsoft, and others collide in the large and growing UCaaS market.
3) Further strength in BI / Analytics / Observability to the benefit of vendors with the strongest cloud-based solutions (Datadog, Dynatrace), but more mixed results from vendors transitioning to SaaS (Teradata, Elastic).
Edition: 128
- 04 February, 2022