CenturyLink recognized for its innovative Managed Security Services offerings by two independent research firms

Forrester noted that CenturyLink emerges with an "innovative approach to architecture" and security leaders needing transparency from their service provider for cost control will prefer CenturyLink's pricing model. CenturyLink was the only provider to receive a score of 5 out of 5 for "delivery capability – expertise and competency," which the company believes is a key factor for ensuring successful implementations. "Not content to merely provide managed security services as a value-added option, CenturyLink made a substantial investment in its user interface and the method by which it collects log data," states the Forrester report, which weighed 36 criteria for its evaluation.

The IDC MarketScape (doc #US411320816, September 2016) highlighted several advanced offerings in CenturyLink's Managed Security Services Suite, such as DDoS and complementary services. In naming CenturyLink a Leader, IDC noted the company's flexible delivery models, strong channel presence and pricing methods. CenturyLink is the only communications service provider (CSP) to be named a Leader.

"CenturyLink has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening its security services as well as supporting its customers' transition from a traditional networking infrastructure to a hybrid IT world," stated Martha Gomez Vazquez, senior research analyst, IDC in the report.

CenturyLink's Managed Security Services Suite, available in the U.S. either as a stand-alone service or as an add-on for customers buying hosting, networking, cloud and colocation services, enables organizations to improve their security posture and respond more efficiently to cyberattacks. The suite features four integrated security monitoring and analysis services on a fully managed platform that leverages both traditional security information and event management (SIEM) technologies and customized tools. Using the platform's web-based security portal, customers and CenturyLink security experts can access real-time data to quickly analyze and act on security incidents in their critical environments. 

"Organizations that strengthen their security posture are better positioned to serve their own customers' needs," said Tim Kelleher, vice president, IT security services, at CenturyLink. "Our Managed Security Services Suite enables companies and government agencies to better defend themselves and reduce risks. We're seeing a growing number of customers realize they can reduce the complexity of managing their security while getting access to a team of highly skilled security experts."

The CenturyLink MSS platform features integrated services such as:

• Security Log Monitoring with Trending & Threat Analysis – A comprehensive log correlation and monitoring service ingests event data from a multitude of servers and is backed 24x7 by GAIC-certified security analysts. A data analysis engine adds deep historical insights to any log data and enables comprehensive reporting, helping teams understand their evolving threat landscape.
• Incident Management and Response Service – An overlay expert response team is available 24x7 to vet incidents and respond quickly to possible attacks.
• Managed Protection Services – An automated device monitoring and management service provides deep insights from next-generation firewall services. 
• Vulnerability & Risk Monitoring – A proactive scanning service discovers and prioritizes possible threats, and eradicates them before impact.

CenturyLink delivers a broad range of IT security solutions, consulting and network services which help organizations deploy flexible hybrid IT strategies that drive positive business outcomes.

About IDC MarketScape
IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor's position within a given market.  IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared.  The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360 degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors. 

About CenturyLink
CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a global communications, hosting, cloud and IT services company enabling millions of customers to transform their businesses and their lives through innovative technology solutions. CenturyLink offers network and data systems management, Big Data analytics and IT consulting, and operates more than 55 data centers in North America, Europe and Asia. The company provides broadband, voice, video, data and managed services over a robust 250,000-route-mile U.S. fiber network and a 300,000-route-mile international transport network. Visit CenturyLink for more information.

¹ Forrester Research; The Forrester Wave™: Managed Security Services Providers, North America, Q3 2016; Jeff Pollard, Aug. 30, 2016.

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SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc.

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