MONROE, La., Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CenturyLink,
Inc. (NYSE: CTL) today announced it has been recognized for
innovation in its managed security services (MSS) offerings by two
independent analyst firms. CenturyLink was named a "Leader" in the
IDC MarketScape: U.S. Emerging Managed Security Services 2016
Vendor Assessment, and, separately, CenturyLink was named a "Strong
Performer" in The Forrester Wave™: Managed Security Services
Providers, North America, Q3
20161.
Forrester noted that CenturyLink emerges with an "innovative
approach to architecture" and security leaders needing transparency
from their service provider for cost control will prefer
CenturyLink's pricing model. CenturyLink was the only provider to
receive a score of 5 out of 5 for "delivery capability – expertise
and competency," which the company believes is a key factor for
ensuring successful implementations. "Not content to merely provide
managed security services as a value-added option, CenturyLink made
a substantial investment in its user interface and the method by
which it collects log data," states the Forrester report, which
weighed 36 criteria for its evaluation.
The IDC MarketScape (doc #US411320816, September 2016) highlighted several advanced
offerings in CenturyLink's Managed Security Services Suite, such as
DDoS and complementary services. In naming CenturyLink a Leader,
IDC noted the company's flexible delivery models, strong channel
presence and pricing methods. CenturyLink is the only
communications service provider (CSP) to be named a Leader.
"CenturyLink has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening
its security services as well as supporting its customers'
transition from a traditional networking infrastructure to a hybrid
IT world," stated Martha Gomez Vazquez, senior research
analyst, IDC in the report.
CenturyLink's Managed Security Services Suite, available in the
U.S. either as a stand-alone service or as an add-on for customers
buying hosting, networking, cloud and colocation services, enables
organizations to improve their security posture and respond more
efficiently to cyberattacks. The suite features four integrated
security monitoring and analysis services on a fully managed
platform that leverages both traditional security information and
event management (SIEM) technologies and customized tools. Using
the platform's web-based security portal, customers and CenturyLink
security experts can access real-time data to quickly analyze and
act on security incidents in their critical environments.
"Organizations that strengthen their security posture are better
positioned to serve their own customers' needs," said Tim
Kelleher, vice president, IT security services, at CenturyLink.
"Our Managed Security Services Suite enables companies and
government agencies to better defend themselves and reduce risks.
We're seeing a growing number of customers realize they can reduce
the complexity of managing their security while getting access to a
team of highly skilled security experts."
The CenturyLink MSS platform features integrated services such
as:
- Security Log Monitoring with Trending & Threat
Analysis – A comprehensive log correlation and monitoring
service ingests event data from a multitude of servers and is
backed 24x7 by GAIC-certified security analysts. A data analysis
engine adds deep historical insights to any log data and enables
comprehensive reporting, helping teams understand their evolving
threat landscape.
- Incident Management and Response Service – An overlay
expert response team is available 24x7 to vet incidents and respond
quickly to possible attacks.
- Managed Protection Services – An automated device
monitoring and management service provides deep insights from
next-generation firewall services.
- Vulnerability & Risk Monitoring – A proactive
scanning service discovers and prioritizes possible threats, and
eradicates them before impact.
CenturyLink delivers a broad range of IT security solutions,
consulting and network services which help organizations deploy
flexible hybrid IT strategies that drive positive
business outcomes.
About IDC MarketScape
IDC MarketScape vendor analysis
model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness
of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a
given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring
methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria
that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor's
position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a
clear framework in which the product and service offerings,
capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success
factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully
compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with
a 360 degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current
and prospective vendors.
About CenturyLink
CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a global
communications, hosting, cloud and IT services company enabling
millions of customers to transform their businesses and their lives
through innovative technology solutions. CenturyLink offers network
and data systems management, Big Data analytics and IT consulting,
and operates more than 55 data centers in North America, Europe and Asia. The company provides broadband, voice,
video, data and managed services over a robust 250,000-route-mile
U.S. fiber network and a 300,000-route-mile international transport
network. Visit CenturyLink for more information.
1 Forrester Research; The Forrester Wave™: Managed
Security Services Providers, North
America, Q3 2016; Jeff
Pollard, Aug. 30, 2016.
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SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc.