As a certified Microsoft partner, GCS provides its customers with not only licensing but also extensive professional services related to the Microsoft portfolio, specifically in the realm of IT security networks. This is because we share Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and security in IT security networks, which aligns with our focus on providing comprehensive solutions to our clients. In fact, our broad range of services offers value in terms of industry expertise, skill sets, domain knowledge, industry substantiation, and best practices related to their IT security network needs. Our customers can leverage these services to streamline operations, increase revenue opportunities, and enhance overall business value in the realm of IT security networks.
Moreover, given that cloud computing has become a part of everyday life, in conjunction with Microsoft, we have created our SecureCloud service. Based on the Microsoft Security platform, SecureCloud offers a host of services that help businesses keep their data secure against attacks, monitor for suspicious activity, detect threats early, and prevent cyberattacks in a way that keeps the corporate IT security network up and running as much as possible.
Microsoft’s commitment to continuously improving IT security network has recently earned its recognition as a leader in seven Forrester Wave reports:
- Security Analytics Platforms, Q4 2020
- Enterprise Detection and Response, Q1 2020
- Endpoint Security Suites, Q3 2019
- Unified Endpoint Management, Q4 2019
- Enterprise Email Security, Q2 2021
- Unstructured Data Security Platform, Q2 2021
- Cloud Security Gateways, Q2 2021
Besides this, they are also recognized as leaders in five Gartner Magic Quadrants.
Microsoft continues to deliver on its promise to protect customers across its entire digital estate. This commitment is built into every Microsoft solution and GCS service, and allows companies of all sizes to take advantage of the best-in-class security across the entirety of their business ecosystems.
Learn more about how Microsoft Security solutions give you simplified, comprehensive protection with strong security.
FAQ: Forrester Wave and Microsoft Security
What is a Forrester Wave report?
A Forrester Wave is an independent analyst evaluation that compares vendors in a technology category on strategy and current capability, plotting leaders against challengers. Businesses use Waves as a due-diligence shortcut — an outside check on vendor marketing claims before committing budget.
Is Microsoft actually a leader in security?
Independent analyst evaluations, including Forrester Wave reports, have placed Microsoft as a leader across multiple security categories — a meaningful shift from its reputation a decade ago. The practical driver is investment scale: security is now core to Microsoft’s enterprise business, and the Defender and Entra product lines reflect it. As a Microsoft Partner, GCS made its bet on that stack for exactly this trajectory.
Why does Microsoft's security ranking matter for a small business?
Because it means the security stack you already license through Microsoft 365 is analyst-recognized, not a compromise — for many SMBs, properly configuring what they already pay for beats buying third-party point products. The gap is rarely the tooling; it’s configuration and monitoring, which is where a Microsoft-focused partner like GCS earns its keep for Austin businesses.
Do I still need other security vendors if I use Microsoft?
Fewer than you think — for most SMBs, the Microsoft stack covers endpoint, identity, email, and cloud security coherently, and consolidation reduces both cost and the gaps between products where incidents hide. Specialized needs, such as industry compliance tooling, can still justify additions. The default has flipped: justify the extra vendor, not the Microsoft-native choice.
How do I get the most out of Microsoft security tools I already pay for?
Start with an assessment of what your current licensing includes against what is actually enabled — the gap is usually wide, especially on Business Premium tenants. Secure Score gives you the prioritized to-do list; Conditional Access, Defender policies, and Intune enrollment are typically the highest-impact items sitting unconfigured. GCS runs exactly this licensing-versus-reality assessment for Austin businesses, and it routinely replaces planned tool purchases with configuration work.