Independent Research Firm Names IBM a Leader in Managed Security Services

ARMONK, N.Y., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that it was ranked a leader in "The Forrester Wave™: Managed Security Services, Q3 2010" (August 2010) report and included prominently in "The Forrester Wave™: Information Security And Risk Consulting Services, Q3 2010" (August 2010) report.

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The Forrester Wave ™: Managed Security Services, Q3 2010" report included 11 managed security service providers in the assessment. Forrester Research, Inc. thoroughly evaluated these vendors across 78 criteria, broken down into three main areas: current offering, strategy, and market presence. "The Forrester Wave™: Information Security And Risk Consulting Services, Q3 2010" included 12 information security and risk consulting service providers in the assessment and evaluated these vendors across 75 criteria also in three main areas: current offering, strategy and market presence.

The Forrester Wave™ managed security services (MSS) report stated that IBM was a leader in managed security services because of the flexibility, competency and breadth of coverage offered. The report stated: "IBM has the broadest suite of MSS of all the providers assessed in this Forrester Wave…. The IBM X-Force Threat Analysis service is well respected in the industry and provides leading-edge security intelligence and research to IBM clients…. Customers identified responsiveness and breadth of offerings as positive attributes for IBM."

Separately, the Forrester Wave™ Information Security and Risk Consulting Services report noted that IBM continues to offer significant value to its clients by delivering a wide spectrum of capabilities and expertise across its various business units. According to the report, "IBM offers the greatest number of security consulting services. It has a great presence in this market and continues to provide thought leadership and expertise in technical and operation areas of security…. Client references pointed to consultant expertise, customer service, and global presence as areas of strength."

"The Forrester Wave ™: Managed Security Services, Q3 2010" report stated: "security organizations that require global reach, a broad suite of security services, and good threat intelligence from a single vendor should look to IBM to deliver these services." Recommendations included in The Forrester Wave™: Information Security And Risk Consulting Services, Q3 2010" report noted  "If you are looking for a single vendor that offers a breadth of capabilities and security technologies and that has a wealth of experience in working security, look to IBM."

"We believe this independent analysis reflects the focus IBM Managed Security Services has on delivering the right expertise, tools and infrastructure needed help to secure information assets and preempt security threats," said Marisa Viveros, vice president, IBM Security Services. "Our global team of security researchers, developers, and subject matter experts have a unique handle on the broad threat landscape, which benefits clients of all sizes and industries."

IBM is one of the world's leading providers of risk and security solutions. Through product offerings, professional security services and managed and cloud-based security services, IBM provides flexibility and breadth of solutions as a trusted security vendor. Clients around the world team with IBM to help reduce the complexities of security and strategically manage risk.

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For more information on IBM's security solutions, visit: http://www.ibm.com/security/

SOURCE IBM