Optiv One: Building a Stronger Cybersecurity Partner

November 10, 2026

Organizations and business bolstering their cybersecurity defenses face an increasingly complex technology landscape. Hundreds of vendors offer point solutions to address everything from cloud security to frontier artificial intelligence.

The offerings – some promising, some not – seemingly emerge week to week. 

Optiv introduced the Optiv One Partner Program in 2026 to help clients navigate this noisy environment.

Designed to bring structure, clarity and strategic alignment to cybersecurity operations, Optiv One provides a consistent framework across an ecosystem of more than 450 technology partners. The program does the heavy lifting in evaluating new technologies, helping partners and vendors scale what’s promising, and keeping things simple for clients.

In his former role on the vendor side, Ryan O’Connell experienced first-hand the value, support and go-to-market scale Optiv can unlock for a growing technology provider. Now, as Optiv’s new senior vice president, partners and alliances, O’Connell is leveraging his background to shape the program’s next chapter – expanding Optiv’s partner network while delivering timely, unmatched cybersecurity defenses for clients.

Sifting Fact from Fiction for CISOs

“Our job as a partner organization is to separate reality from hype, reduce complexity and mitigate distractions,’’ O’Connell said. “Being in an advisory position to our customer base and our partner base allows us to really sift through what is fact and what is fiction.’’

As a vital filter for cybersecurity executives, Optiv:

• Rigorously vets and continuously validates technologies through dedicated R&D, services and sales evaluation panels;
• Integrates standalone technologies into broader Optiv service offerings, ensuring client solutions are built on proven, scalable foundations;
• And curates top-tier partner stacks so sales teams bring actionable guidance directly to meet the client’s greatest risks, from identity to AI governance.

Accelerating Go-to-Market Scale 

For vendors, O’Connell said Optiv One bridges the gap between funding and go-to-market scale by offering immediate access to a nationwide sales and technical footprint, supported by Optiv’s Open Market System (OMS). OMS is a single reference architecture to help organizations better audit security capabilities and needs. It also informs demand generation campaigns that speak directly to the specific needs of our shared clients. 

“It’s speed to market, right?’’ O’Connell said. “For new and emerging companies, when you look at capacity against scale, you understand the potential value that 250-plus sellers and hundreds of technical and service people can have. That route, the speed to market, is super quick.’’

With 450 partners, Optiv One provides clear pathways to promote high-performers, while maintaining structure with defined tiers to avoid overwhelming sales teams, but ensuring the visibility of both proven and emerging technologies for clients.

Delivering Real Operational Outcomes

Ultimately, O’Connell says the core benefits of Optiv One for CISOs and IT leaders is delivering measurable operational outcomes, simply and effectively.

“The biggest thing our customers are faced with is they’ve got all these companies coming to them and saying, ‘We’re the only ones that can do this or that,’ O’Connell said. “Our customers just don’t have the time to evaluate tech like they used to. If you’re taking six to 12 months to do POV evaluations, the technology is already changed.’’

Recognizing Our Technology Partners

Optiv’s partner ecosystem is built on collaboration, innovation and shared success. 

Each year, we recognize partners that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to delivering value for clients and advancing our collective cybersecurity goals.

Optiv’s 2025 Partners of the Year

Partner of the Year – CyberArk

Recognized for outstanding growth, relevance and commitment to driving shared go-to-market success.

Services Partner of the Year – Google Cloud

Recognized for delivering exceptional professional or managed services, while elevating client outcomes through collaboration.

Ecosystem Partner of the Year – Ingram Micro

Recognized for strengthening the collective cybersecurity ecosystem as a hyperscaler, distributor or alliance partner.

Emerging Partner of the Year – Wiz

Recognized for demonstrating exceptional commitment and momentum in advancing 3shared goals.

Find out more here.

Relevant links:

Optiv Announces 2025 Partner of the Year Awards Celebrating Unmatched Partner Ecosystem, Optiv One Partner Program