Unlike many other managed security services, the new portfolio is not dependent on premises-based equipment. Instead, Verizon’s offering is delivered via the company’s global IP network. Customers can quickly and easily secure new locations with the latest security technology by using a centralised management console that allows for real-time provisioning and administration.
“Our new security platform represents a significant shift in how we are delivering security services to large and mid-size clients,” said Peter Tippett, vice president of technology and innovation at Verizon Business. “By offering security-as-a-service, enterprises can tailor their security solutions to meet the unique needs of their business with the ability to strengthen their security protection at a moment’s notice.”
These new offerings are ideal for geographically-dispersed multinational companies that need to deploy security protection quickly and want to avoid the time and expense of buying, shipping and deploying equipment around the globe. The services are also well-suited for companies in the retail, financial and health care sectors that have multiple locations, as well as mid-tier firms.
According to Principal Analyst Amy DeCarlo of Current Analysis, “With its in-the-cloud offerings, Verizon is blazing a trail in security with its leading approach that capitalizes on the best elements of the cloud model to support dynamic service delivery.”
The in-the-cloud services complement Verizon’s existing managed security services (MSS) portfolio. An enterprise can choose in the cloud, on-premises or a hybrid of the two solutions, based on the enterprise’s needs and current security setup.
New cloud-based security services will be rolled out in three phases:
Beginning in June, Verizon Private and public IP, as well as Secure Gateway customers, can leverage the new cloud-based MSS to gain anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-malware and URL filtering services. These “clean pipe” services will be integrated into Verizon’s networking offerings at no additional charge to customers.
Beginning this autumn, Verizon will offer cloud-based support for network firewalls and intrusion detection and prevention systems. These services will be available separately and can be used to protect Verizon networking offerings as well as connections from other providers.
Beginning early next year, Verizon will make its enterprise-level Denial of Service (DOS) detection and mitigation services available in the cloud. This will offer mid-to-large organizations more control and flexibility via the company’s online portal.