Qwest Communications has launched two new managed solutions: Qwest iQ Managed Security Service (MSS) and Qwest iQ Network Management Service (NMS). The new offerings deliver on a relationship Qwest and IBM previously announced to provide what the companies call a powerful, yet easy-to-use technology ecosystem specifically designed for businesses with 15,000 employees or fewer, yet robust enough for the Fortune 100.
Qwest pilot customer TEAM Industries Inc. – a designer and manufacturer of transmission assemblies, components and CVT’s for a variety of on and off-highway markets – is already experiencing the benefits. Qwest worked with TEAM Industries to implement a scalable and cost-effective solution to provide more capabilities to offload router and existing Web filtering; increase security to mitigate viruses and spam; eliminate traffic going through TEAM Industries’ six locations and interconnect those locations with resilient technology.
Qwest says its iQTM Managed Security Service:
- Reduces the costs and complexities associated with managing security needs, while mitigating the impact of liability and security threats from malware, SPAM e-mail, unauthorized network access, and Internet resource misuse
- Enables customers to leverage Qwest expert tools, skills and processes to improve their system uptime and performance, optimize security investments, improve employee productivity and demonstrate compliance
- Is supported by IBM Internet Security Systems (ISS), a recognized industry leader of managed security service with world-wide redundant security operation centers, security research within the X-Force organization, and certified engineers and security analysts to provide 24x7x365 support
Qwest says its iQ Network Management Service:
- Is a network monitoring and management product suite that provides complete out-tasking of all or part of customer’s data network. It is a comprehensive, integrated package of products and services for building and proactively overseeing networks
- Enables customers to control operational costs, while improving network uptime and performance, regulatory compliance and to optimize their security investments
- Provides around-the-clock health and fault monitoring of network devices by IBM’s skilled operations analysts using automated surveillance tools. Customers can view network performance statistics, alerts and create and manage trouble tickets, all from Qwest’s QControl Portal
“Our smaller manufacturing firm’s needs mimic that of a larger enterprise,” said Krysten Westrum, IT Manager, TEAM Industries Inc. “We found that Qwest and IBM’s solution addresses those needs and provides us with access to security and network experts. Although two companies are involved, our experience with support and visibility into service information has been seamless. We are confident that as we grow, Qwest and IBM are there to provide us with scalable solutions to meet our needs.”
“Together IBM and Qwest have moved swiftly to offer mid-market customers a comprehensive set of network infrastructure requirements,” said Scott Stainken, general manager of IBM’s Telecommunications Industry. “Users will appreciate the powerful new tools that come from aligning IBM’s expertise and capabilities with a world-class services provider to deliver an exceptional end-to-end customer experience.”
