Why MSPs are switching from
Perimeter 81
to DefensX.
Perimeter 81 offers modern SASE features but brings high cost, complex onboarding, and
agent-heavy deployments that create support overhead for MSPs.
DefensX takes a simpler approach delivering Zero Trust access, browser isolation, and DNS
security with no agents, no tunnels, and predictable pricing for MSP environments.
Why Perimeter 81 is challenging for MSPs
The platform offers many features, but MSPs pay the price in complexity and support overhead.
Heavy reliance on endpoint agents
Agent Complexity
● Agent updates break connectivity.
● Conflicts with RMM/AV/EDR products.
● High support load on mixed-OS fleets.
● BYOD onboarding still painful.
Expensive + not MSP-friendly
Cost & Ops
● Higher per-user costs than MSP budgets allow.
● Multi-tenant workflows require too many clicks.
● Feature overlap with existing MSP tools.
● Hard to justify for SMB clients.
How DefensX improves Perimeter 81 environments
Simpler. Faster. More MSP-aligned.
Agentless Zero Trust access
DefensX ZTNA
● No agents to manage or deploy.
● Users never join the network app-level access only.
● Eliminates BYOD & contractor headaches.
● Zero configuration on endpoints.
Designed for MSP pricing + operations
MSP Ready
● Predictable per-user cost.
● Multi-tenant management built-in.
● One-click onboarding for clients.
● No infrastructure or gateways to deploy.
Perimeter 81 vs DefensX at a glance
Capability
Perimeter 81
DefensX
Access model
Agent-based ZTNA + VPN
100% agentless Zero Trust
Client footprint
Heavy endpoint agent
None (browser isolation)
Deployment time
Days or weeks
Hours
MSP multi-tenancy
Limited workflow efficiency
Built for MSPs
Best fit
Mid/large businesses
MSP + SMB/SME
What switching from Perimeter 81 means for your MSP
Less complexity. Lower cost. Happier users.
MSPs simplify operations and reduce support load by adopting a
lightweight, browser-based approach to Zero Trust.
Identify Perimeter 81 features actively used by each client.
Map to equivalent DefensX policies (ZTNA, DNS filtering, isolation).
Run a 2-week pilot with targeted user groups.
Roll out tenant by tenant.
Retire Perimeter 81 licenses on completion.
Start reducing agent noise and support overhead.
FAQ: Replacing Perimeter 81 with DefensX
“Does DefensX replace the Perimeter 81 agent?”
Yes. DefensX is 100% agentless — Zero Trust access and web protection work through
an isolated browser environment with no endpoint installation.
“Can we migrate gradually?”
Absolutely. Most MSPs run DefensX and Perimeter 81 side-by-side during transition and
deprecate agent-based access once testing completes.
“What about cost differences?”
MSPs typically see 20–40% cost reduction because DefensX eliminates agents, gateways,
tunneling infrastructure, and advanced feature bundles.
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