IBM to Deliver Security Consulting Services Across Palo Alto Networks Security Platforms

Palo Alto Networks and IBM have announced a new partnership to deliver AI-powered security solutions.

As part of the agreement, Palo Alto Networks has agreed to acquire IBM’s QRadar SaaS assets, including related intellectual property rights. Upon closing, the two companies intend to facilitate the migration of QRadar SaaS clients to the Cortex XSIAM SOC platform. QRadar clients who wish to remain on QRadar on-prem will continue to receive IBM features and support, as well as updates to existing connectors and the ability to expand consumption. IBM will receive incremental payments from Palo Alto Networks for QRadar on-prem clients who choose to migrate to the Cortex XSIAM platform.

“The security industry is at an inflection point where AI will transform businesses and deliver outcomes not seen before,” said Nikesh Arora, Chairman and CEO of Palo Alto Networks. “Together with IBM, we will capitalize on this trend, combining our leading security solutions with IBM’s pioneering watsonx AI platform and premier services to drive the future of security platformization with complete, AI-powered, secure-by-design offerings.”

IBM Consulting will be a preferred Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) for current and future Palo Alto Networks customers. In addition, a joint Security Operations Center will feature a managed SOC, and the companies will also establish a joint Cyber Range that will offer immersive experiences for customers to further understand the value of Palo Alto Networks security products.

Palo Alto Networks’ cybersecurity solutions will be accessible in IBM’s Consulting Advantage AI services platform, including the building of assets and repeatable methods to support scale. IBM will also build industry-vertical capabilities on top of Cortex XSIAM, leveraging watsonx.

Palo Alto Networks intends to integrate watsonx LLMs into Cortex XSIAM to drive additional automation capabilities, as well as leverage IBM’s watsonx to accelerate its roadmap to improve customer support outcomes.

The transaction portion of this announcement is expected to close by the end of September 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Channel Impact^®
The expanding and complex enterprise technology landscape, driven by digital transformation and the rapid growth of AI, presents significant cybersecurity challenges. These industry dynamics, paired with this partnership announcement, present significant opportunities for both companies and their respective networks of partners.