Computer giant IBM is expanding its information security and privacy services.
IBM Global Services is expanding its information security and privacy services. The global giant says it is harnessing the worldwide expertise of 3,000 security consultants, implementation experts, engineers and technology architects, plus nearly 100 researchers from IBM Research. ÿIBM says: ?They will work as a team to deliver safety and security solutions to businesses and the public sector, currently facing some of the most critical challenges in history. IBM Security and Privacy service offerings currently include: assessments, security architecture, planning and design, implementation, management and outsourcing, and all interface with business continuity and disaster recovery solutions. New service offerings range from enhanced intrusion detection services and vulnerability assessments to security policy assessments and managed firewall services for hosted customers; from scalable virtual private networking services, authentication services, content delivery, mobile connectivity, public wireless local area networks and cabling systems to a one-day class for corporate officers to assess what areas their organization should focus on to beef up safety and security.? The IBM Global Services Safety and Security Practice will be led by Rusine Mitchell-Sinclair, who has been named general manager of Safety and Security. She says: ?We have evolved new offerings to meet changing market conditions in a new, hardened environment,. Customers who used to ask for ‘piece part’ services now want us to pull it all together for them, to provide a total assessment. ÿIn addition, we’re seeing customers placing a higher priority on prevention.” IBM is aligning with Kroll, the corporate security, crisis management and business and asset protection consultants. At the corporate level, the new office of Global Security Solutions will be headed by Elizabeth Primrose-Smith, IBM’s new vice president of Global Security Solutions. ÿShe says: ?Customers want guidance regarding emerging government and societal issues. Today’s environment demands more than traditional security and protection measures. ÿNew international legal and security issues are emerging every day. The Global Security Solutions Office will be the central coordination point for security technology, trends and solutions across our corporation, across geographies. ÿAnd, we’re adding new areas and specializations, such as Biometrics and Biohazards.? ÿMs Primrose-Smith was headed of IBM’s involvement in the Olympic Games. IBM point to signs that security has been a top concern since early this year and a significantly heightened concern since September 11: about one out of five companies are reviewing major technology expenditures following Sept. 11th and many expect to boost spending on disaster recovery, security and backup software (Morgan Stanley survey, October 2001); security services providers should prepare to address increased demand for assistance in security assessments, awareness training, infrastructure upgrades and response planning (Gartner, September 2001); protecting sensitive data and resources was the number one concern among SHARE members in the 2001 Strategic Concerns Survey.
