IDC forecasts the Web Security market to grow to US $2.5 billion by 2013, driven by the widespread proliferation of Web-based threats and the adoption of next-generation Web-based technologies. This recent IDC study elaborates on the new vulnerabilities associated with Web 2.0 technologies and emphasizes the importance of adopting the latest Web security tools to combat these new threats. As leaders in the Managed Security Services and Secure Web Gateway markets, the combined solution from IBM and Blue Coat provides clients with the advanced protection required to guard against these growing Web threats.

The new managed security services solution provides a unique threat mitigation approach including:

• Around-the-clock monitoring and management of the Blue Coat Secure Web Gateway solution;

• A diverse, integrated portfolio of security solutions accessible in a single Web-based client portal;

• Dedicated IBM X-Force research around evolving security threats and vulnerabilities; and,

• A modular approach to buying and using flexible infrastructure architecture.

IBM and Blue Coat already support many large enterprise customers worldwide, including a diversified, global company that provides vital products and services to customers in more than 60 countries. The easy-to-manage security solution simplifies policy administration and configuration for better corporate security and allows customers to focus on their business while relying on the expertise, services and products of IBM and Blue Coat to guard against emerging threats.

This announcement builds on the IBM Security Solutions strategy of building superior products and services as well as working with industry partners to provide a range of offerings to meet customer requirements. Through product offerings, professional security services and managed security services, IBM provides ultimate flexibility and breadth of solutions as a trusted security advisor.

The Blue Coat solution utilizes a hybrid design that combines on-premise equipment with a cloud-based collaborative defense to provide on-demand security intelligence about unknown Web content and enforce corporate IT policies. The solution is comprised of Blue Coat ProxySG and ProxyAV™ appliances at the Internet gateway for inline antivirus detection and IT policy enforcement; Blue Coat WebFilter for content categorization; the WebPulse™ service for dynamic ratings; and ProxyClient™ to extend protections and policies to remote users.

 Pricing and Services Availability
IBM managed security services Secure Web gateway is available immediately through the IBM worldwide sales force and business partners.