IBM and Palo Alto Networks have forged a significant partnership aimed at integrating security technology across both vendors. This collaboration includes the sale of IBM’s QRadar security intelligence platform to Palo Alto.
The goal of IBM and Palo Alto is to facilitate the transformation of security operations, effectively address threats at a large scale, and quicken incident remediation for their clients by using an AI-driven approach, which the vendors believe is critical to tackle current threat levels throughout the enterprise.
The collaboration will involve multiple integrations between IBM’s Watson AI and data platform and Palo Alto’s Cortex Extended Security Intelligence and Analytics Management (XSIAM) security system.
For instance, IBM plans to increase its utilization of Palo Alto’s AI-enabled security platforms in-house, adopting Cortex for advanced security operations and Prisma SASE 3.0 for zero-trust network security to protect its global workforce of over 250,000. Moreover, IBM plans to develop industry-specific capabilities on the Cortex XSIAM platform using its Watson technology.
Palo Alto has announced its intentions to incorporate watsonx LLMs into Cortex to enhance automation capabilities. This addition is expected to aid Palo Alto in addressing technical problems, creating customized self-service solutions, and augmenting the productivity of agents in Palo Alto’s customer support operations. Furthermore, Palo Alto has plans to implement other IBM cloud and automation software.
The concluding part of the deal is anticipated to occur by September, after which Palo Alto and IBM will assist in the transition of QRadar SaaS clients over to Cortex XSIAM.
IBM has assured that on-premise QRadar clients who prefer to maintain their presence on QRadar on-prem will continue to enjoy IBM’s services, such as security, usability, critical bug fixes, as well as updates to existing connectors and the capability to expand consumption.
For clients of both QRadar SaaS and on-prem who opt to transition to Cortex XSIAM, IBM and Palo Alto Networks along with their business partners will work together to ensure a smooth transfer. Moreover, IBM and Palo Alto Networks are offering no-cost migration services for eligible customers.
The partnership also includes the following features:
“Advanced threat protection and automation, underpinned by Cortex XSIAM and WatsonX, and coupled with IBM Consulting, will speed client and partner adoption of next-generation security operations,” Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM said in a statement. “We’ll deliver these capabilities with Palo Alto Networks, and accelerate our security investments and innovation in areas like data security and identity and access management. These are critical offerings that our clients need when protecting their data, hybrid cloud environments, AI models, and applications.”
IBM and Palo Alto have had a strategic partnership for cybersecurity developments for several years. For example, the companies jointly offer security offerings through IBM Consulting Cybersecurity Services, integrating Palo Alto Networks security technologies. The partnership will focus on helping companies modernize their security operations and secure cloud transformations.
