The technology ecosystem is a fluid entity that reacts to the complexities of the market, innovations, and customer expectations. However, with every innovation comes another opportunity for cyber criminals who are themselves evolving in tandem with technology.
These factors make it increasingly difficult for tech leaders to secure the entirety of their technology stack, particularly when you consider the sprawl of cloud architecture. This makes simpler, and more comprehensive, approaches invaluable.
To that end, IBM Consulting and Microsoft recently said they’re collaborating on new services to help joint customers simplify security operations and protect their hybrid cloud infrastructure.
Efficient Cybersecurity in the Cloud
The new collaboration focuses on the challenges companies face in securing AI technologies and hybrid cloud infrastructure. The new offerings utilize IBM Consulting’s cybersecurity services whilse Microsoft provides integrations with its security products.
IBM’s Threat Detection and Response (TDR) Cloud Native service combines Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR, and Microsoft Defender for Cloud with IBM’s AI-driven security.
The service includes 24/7 threat monitoring, investigation, and automated remediation of alerts across a customer’s hybrid cloud environment, utilizing the entirety of Microsoft’s security portfolio and, as a result, fully protecting Microsoft cloud environments.
“To successfully navigate the ever-evolving and increasingly complex digital landscape, security can no longer be an afterthought – it must be a foundational part of every organization’s core operations,” said Mark Hughes, Global Managing Partner of Cybersecurity Services, IBM Consulting.
“Our collaboration with Microsoft provides clients with a simplified, efficient, and cost-effective approach to protect cloud workloads, and effectively manage the proliferation of threats organizations confront on a regular basis.”
Identity Management Focus
IBM Consulting and Microsoft have also collaborated on a solution to address the complexities of cloud identity in hybrid cloud environments with multiple services and technologies. The solution builds on Microsoft Entra, the company’s cloud-based access management suite, combining IBM’s range of automation capabilities, industry accelerators, and domain knowledge.
The aim is to provide unified cloud ID protection while simultaneously minimizing cost of that protection.
“As digital transformation accelerates across every industry, organizations require a comprehensive, unified approach to cloud security that protects their entire enterprise from the chip to the cloud,” said Alym Rayani, VP of Security Marketing, at Microsoft.
“Our partnership with IBM Consulting makes it easier for clients to securely harness the power of the cloud and AI to drive business innovation.”
Closing Thoughts
These latest announcements build on a history of collaborative development between IBM and Microsoft. Both companies use the phrase “Better together” to describe the relationship. In fact, an blog post from October 2023, noted, “While many may see IBM and Microsoft as competitors, we are much better partners bringing the best of both companies together to accelerate impact and influence at scale.”
This latest announcement is yet another example of this strategy at work. The partnership extends beyond security and tackles the complexities of adopting modern technology including GenAI. Collaborative partnerships like these not only drive revenue for the companies involved but are a true asset to consumers.
