Verizon Positioned as a Leader in Top Analyst Firm's 2011 Report: Magic Quadrant for Managed Security Service Providers, North America

NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gartner Inc. has positioned Verizon in the Leaders quadrant of the industry analyst firm's 2011 report, "Magic Quadrant for MSSPs, North America."

The report examines 21 North American-based providers of managed security services based on their completeness of vision and ability to execute.  According to the report: "Each of the service providers in the Leaders quadrant has significant 'mind share' among enterprises looking to buy an MSS as a discrete offering. These providers generally receive very positive reports on service and performance from Gartner clients. MSSPs in the Leaders quadrant are typically appropriate options for enterprises requiring frequent interaction with the MSSP for analyst expertise and advice, portal-based correlation and workflow support, and flexible reporting options."

Bart Vansevenant, executive director, global security solutions, Verizon, said, "Managed security services, along with security consulting services, are instrumental to our overall security portfolio.  We believe our placement in the Leaders quadrant in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for MSSPs illustrates our continued excellence in this area, as well as our commitment to helping customers around the globe safeguard their critical data."

For the purposes of the report, Gartner defines managed security services (MSS) as "the remote management or monitoring of IT security functions delivered via remote SOCs, not through personnel on-site."  These functions can include intrusion prevention systems; security-event management devices; distributed denial-of-service protection; vulnerability scanning of network, servers, databases or applications; and log management and analysis, among others.

The MSSP market remains strong.  Gartner sees "continued strong, if not spectacular, growth for MSSs in North America."  According to the report, "In 2010, MSSPs realized North American revenue of $2.3 billion, up from $1.8 billion in 2009."  Gartner predicts that the market will grow to $2.8 billion in 2011, driven by several factors, including staffing and budget pressures, growing compliance requirements and increasing interest and availability in IT functions as a service.

Gartner criteria for ability to execute include product/service capabilities, overall viability, sales execution/pricing, market responsiveness and track record, marketing execution, customer experience and operations.  Criteria for completeness of vision include market understanding, marketing strategy, offering (product) strategy, business model, innovation, and vertical, industry and geographic strategy.

Verizon, through its Terremark subsidiary, offers managed security services; governance, risk and compliance management solutions; data loss and prevention solutions; and identity management solutions, all delivered by the company's more than 1,200 security professionals around the globe. More information is available by visiting Verizon Security Solutions.  The company also provides ongoing security insight and analysis via the Verizon Security Blog.

About the Magic Quadrant

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 107 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500.  A Dow 30 company with $106.6 billion in 2010 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon