Palo Alto Networks and IBM announce partnership

Palo Alto Networks and IBM announced a major partnership this week, in which they will jointly offer cybersecurity solutions and IBM will provide consulting services for Palo Alto’s platforms.

Key elements of this partnership include IBM expanding its internal use of Palo Alto Networks security platforms and designating Palo Alto as its preferred partner for network, cloud, and security operations center (SOC) services.

Additionally, IBM will collaborate with Palo Alto on security operations, DevSecOps, and threat management. IBM plans to train over 1,000 security consultants on the migration, deployment, and adoption of Palo Alto products.

Moreover, IBM Consulting will become a preferred Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) for Palo Alto customers, and the two companies will establish a joint SOC and a cyber range.

“IBM’s experts, with their global, regional, and local delivery capabilities, will leverage Watsonx, IT automation, and threat intelligence to bolster advisory efforts and promote the growth and adoption of Palo Alto Networks security platforms,” the companies announced.

Palo Alto Networks has agreed to acquire IBM’s QRadar SaaS assets, which IBM initially obtained in 2011 through its acquisition of Q1 Labs. Following the completion of the QRadar assets acquisition, the companies will assist QRadar customers in transitioning to Palo Alto’s recently launched Cortex XSIAM SOC platform.

The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed, but it is expected to close by the end of September.