Palo Alto Networks, a global leader in cybersecurity, and IBM, a leading provider of hybrid cloud and AI solutions, have announced a comprehensive partnership aimed at delivering AI-powered security solutions for their clients.
In an era where digital transformation and AI growth have increased the complexity of enterprise technology, cybersecurity challenges have become more sophisticated. To combat these evolving threats, organizations are turning to robust, AI-supported security platforms. The partnership between Palo Alto Networks and IBM is designed to enhance security operations, mitigate threats at scale, and expedite incident response.
IBM Consulting will become a preferred Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) for Palo Alto Networks customers. The partnership includes the creation of a joint Security Operations Center (SOC) and a Cyber Range for immersive customer experiences. IBM will leverage its global expertise, watsonx, IT automation, and threat intelligence to enhance Palo Alto Networks’ security platforms.
Palo Alto Networks’ solutions will be integrated into IBM’s Consulting Advantage AI services, supporting the development of scalable assets and methods. The partnership aims to train over 1,000 IBM experts for optimal service delivery across Palo Alto Networks platforms and build industry-specific capabilities using Cortex XSIAM and watsonx.
Palo Alto will acquire IBM’s QRadar SaaS
As part of this expanded collaboration, Palo Alto Networks will acquire IBM’s QRadar SaaS assets, including its intellectual property rights, pending customary closing conditions. Following the acquisition, Palo Alto Networks and IBM will assist QRadar SaaS clients in transitioning to Cortex® XSIAM®, a next-generation security operations platform equipped with advanced AI threat protection and 3,000 pre-configured detectors. On-premise QRadar clients will continue to receive IBM’s support, including security updates and usability enhancements. Clients opting to migrate to Cortex XSIAM will benefit from free migration services offered by both companies, with IBM receiving additional payments for each on-premise client that transitions.
IBM aims strengthening customer relationships
IBM plans to enhance its internal security by adopting Palo Alto Networks’ AI-powered platforms, including Cortex XSIAM for security operations and Prisma SASE 3.0 for zero-trust network security, safeguarding its global workforce of over 250,000 employees. This move exemplifies how streamlined operations across Palo Alto Networks’ portfolio can benefit customers.
Palo Alto Networks will integrate IBM’s watsonx language models into Cortex XSIAM to boost automation capabilities and enhance customer support outcomes. This integration aims to proactively address technical issues, provide customized self-service solutions, and improve overall support efficiency.
Advancing DevSecOps capabilities
The collaboration will also expand IBM‘s relationship with Prisma® Cloud, Palo Alto Networks’ cloud-native application protection platform. This will enhance integrations with IBM’s DevOps offerings, including Red Hat OpenShift and Ansible, promoting “secure-by-design” DevSecOps capabilities. This initiative will help prevent insecure code from running in production cloud environments.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of September 2024, subject to regulatory approval and customary conditions. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
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