Lost in Microsoft's Security Tools? Info-Tech Research Group's Blueprint Helps IT Leaders Navigate With Confidence

With Microsoft's extensive range of security offerings, many IT teams face challenges in determining the right tools and configurations for their needs. Without a clear plan, organizations risk leaving gaps in their defenses and overspending on tools they don't need. To help leaders align security capabilities with their actual organizational needs, global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group has published new research insights and guidance for building a robust security architecture with Microsoft technologies.

TORONTO, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group's recently published research insights articulate that many organizations have access to a wide range of Microsoft's powerful security features yet still struggle with overlap, underuse, and unclear integration. While turning on a security tool can be easy, building a secure and well-structured architecture with Microsoft technologies requires IT strategy and clarity. To support IT leaders navigating implementation, Info-Tech Research Group's new resource Build a Robust Security Architecture With Microsoft Technologies offers practical guidance to make the most of organizations' existing Microsoft tools, close critical gaps, and create a cohesive security environment that fits their needs.

As Microsoft's Security Landscape Grows, Info-Tech Recommends a Capability-First Strategy to Close Gaps

"The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, with new threats emerging daily. In this environment, organizations are increasingly looking to standardize their security platforms to simplify management, reduce costs, and improve their overall security posture," says Fred Chagnon, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group.  "Though Microsoft provides a comprehensive suite of security products, users of the product struggle to map all these provided capabilities to their own unique needs. The result is suboptimal deployment leading to security defense gaps, unintentional technology complexity, and wasted spending."

Keeping pace with frequent product changes, shifting licensing models, tool integration challenges, and internal silos remains a significant challenge for many organizations. Info-Tech's newly published research highlights how best to navigate Microsoft's vast and constantly evolving security landscape. 

According to Chagnon, one of the firm's cybersecurity experts, approaches that focus solely on cost consolidation can fall short, as they risk overlooking critical security gaps. To address this, he recommends in the firm's new blueprint that taking a capability-first approach breaks down the Microsoft security stack into manageable components, which can help organizations align tools with real security needs rather than just budgets.

A Four-Step Framework for Optimizing Microsoft Security Tools

To assist IT leaders in applying a capability-focused review of Microsoft security products, Info-Tech outlines a four-step framework in Build a Robust Security Architecture With Microsoft Technologies:

1. Conduct a security technology capability assessment to uncover hidden gaps, potential overlaps, and opportunities for optimization.
2. Optimize the existing security posture by identifying essential capabilities that are currently not implemented or operating optimally.
3. Eliminate duplication to fund new capabilities by making a cost comparison between desired Microsoft capabilities and non-Microsoft tools.
4. Justify unused capabilities and overlaps by documenting the use of alternative solutions in place of Microsoft offerings and a clear rationale for each.

Info-Tech's approach, detailed in this blueprint, is designed to empower organizations to optimize their security posture, reduce costs, and build a more robust defense against cyberthreats.

The firm advises that by prioritizing security capabilities instead of software products and conducting a thorough assessment of the Microsoft security stack, organizations can gain a clear understanding of their existing tools, identify gaps and overlaps, and make informed decisions.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Fred Chagnon, a cybersecurity expert, and access to the complete Build a Robust Security Architecture With Microsoft Technologies blueprint, please contact [email protected].

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group