IBM just rolled out new set of secure access service edge (SASE) services in partnership with Zscaler.

IBM on Wednesday introduced IBM Security Services for SASE. The program includes consulting, design, managed security services and application onboarding. It also includes embedded zero-trust capabilities from Zscaler.

SASE merges next-generation cybersecurity capabilities like secure web gateway (SWG), zero trust network access (ZTNA) and cloud access security broker (CASB) together with networking capabilities like software defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) and delivers them through the cloud.

IBM Security general manager Mary O’Brien said businesses need to move past traditional network security methodologies. COVID-19 accelerated the already expanding diaspora of users and applications away from the main office. She said many customers are preparing for a long-term hybrid work model.

IBM’s Mary O’Brien

“This new approach requires a shift in culture, processes and collaboration across teams alongside a new technology architecture. By focusing on business needs, our zero-trust approach can help accelerate this transformation for clients thanks to the skills, methods and capabilities brought together via our alliance partnership with Zscaler,” O’Brien said.

The program offers solutions to help customers secure hybrid workforce access and third-party access. IBM can also enable M&A transition through integrated access management. The company is also targeting customers who need help with network transformation, 5G and edge.

IBM cited a Forrester Consulting study that found 78% of organizations are considering or planning to deploy SASE in the upcoming year.

Partnership Background

The companies announced a partnership back in May. Zscaler integrated its private access and internet access technologies with core IBM Security solutions. The partnership also represented a movement to establish more use cases for zero trust.

Zscaler’s Jay Chaudhry

“Implementing a zero-trust architecture is an important step for organizations adopting SASE to effectively secure new distributed working models and safeguard mission-critical services that have now moved to the cloud,” Zscaler founder and CEO Jay Chaudhry said. “Through our expanded alliance partnership with IBM, as part of the Zscaler zero-trust ecosystem, customers can confidently expedite their secure digital transformation journey to support essential initiatives, from ensuring secure employee productivity from anywhere to accelerating M&A transactions.”