Single Framework Designed to Protect Consumers' Mobile Phones and Global Wireless Infrastructure Against Dangerous Attacks

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today introduced the new IBM Telecom Integrated Solution for Security to optimize security systems operations and simplify management for both fixed and mobile environments, addressing growing consumer and business concerns about security threats.

Unveiled for the first time at Mobile World Congress 2008, the IBM Telecom Integrated Solution for Security is an integrated hardware, software and services framework for communications service providers to deliver carrier-grade network services free of malicious traffic. The key components of the Telecom Integrated Solution for Security include IBM BladeCenter, IBM Proventia Intrusion Detection, IBM Tivoli Security Operations Manager, the IBM Tivoli Netcool/OMNIbus products, along with hardware and software from IBM Business Partners.

Both businesses and consumers are demanding more defenses be incorporated into their voice, video, and Internet services. Mobile viruses like the Symbian OS worm have been actively spreading on mobile phone networks worldwide, proving they are no longer theoretical in nature and more dangerous than ever before. A recent IBM survey showed more service providers are realizing the value of security as a strategic differentiator in a fiercely competitive market. Yet fewer than half of IBM's survey respondents (46 percent) said their companies had a strategy in place for mitigating security risks posed by next generation networks.

"The delivery of new IP services cannot come at expense of security considerations," said Mike Hill, general manager, Telecommunications Industry, IBM. "Consumers have high expectations for rigorous security and won't compromise as they interact with more and more mobile content. Security services are a key way for service providers to add value to their IP service offerings, and IBM is focused on simplifying and accelerating this capability for our customers worldwide."

As service providers migrate from disparate infrastructures to an all digital, IP-based information flow, many are seeking to streamline and consolidate multiple security functions, reducing space requirements as they transform security operations. Consolidating multiple appliances helps create a security "backplane" that brings together all security requirements into a single framework that enables service providers to realize greater performance and network resiliency at multiple levels. IBM BladeCenter provides the foundation for this new security backplane, helping to reduce complexity and costs associated with appliance sprawl. As an industry leading platform designed for converged IT and networking services, IBM BladeCenter brings together leading multicore microprocessors, 10Gb networking, a multi-terrabit backplane and storage capabilities with new extensions like network processor blades, deep packet inspection blades, and flow control switching and management.

"With the increasing convergence of IT and Telecommunications, we see IBM BladeCenter as a leading platform to deliver Service Innovation in the market place," said Matt Bross, chief technology officer, BT Group.

The new solution - which has evolved from IBM's prior Core Infrastructure Security Solution - offers a standard deployment approach on IBM hardware with software and services, combined with a set of third party security applications specifically designed for service providers.