Qwest Communications and IBM announced a 5-year agreement to deliver highly proactive managed services to mid-size businesses. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Qwest and IBM will go to market with network management services that simplify complex technology operations and enable customers to optimize their information technology (IT) networks, while minimizing capital expenditure.
Through the Qwest and IBM partnership, customers will have access to these advanced capabilities through the following services:
- Managed Security Services powered by IBM Internet Security Systems. These services are designed to provide 24x7x365 protection against malicious Internet activity including viruses, spam and attacks such as distributed denial of service (DDoS). Backed by the IBM X-Force, an elite team of security researchers, these services offer real-time adaptive protection against a dynamic array of threats.
- Network Management Services managed by IBM Express Remote Management Infrastructure Services (ERMIS). An advanced, highly automated solution that monitors data network performance, proactively identifies issues, notifies customers and initiates resolution. The service is capable of managing a broad range of network devices that will be offered with network configuration functionality to support business' needs for flexibility.
- Unified Communications Services also managed by ERMIS. These services, supporting implementations of fewer than 100 IP phones, include remote monitoring, reporting and management for a unified communications telephony service. The new functionality enables customers with solution flexibility to upgrade to a simple, yet powerful IP communications system, along with an all-inclusive service of network connectivity, equipment, telephones, and real-time monitoring and management.
Qwest said the managed services offering will enable customers to monitor the performance of their network services and make changes through a single, secure, Web-based portal with real-time alerts and advisories. IBM Global Business Services will work with Qwest on the portal design and implementation as well as the systems integration to ensure the customer experience is seamless across all services and aspects of account management. The companies also will work jointly to optimize the performance of clients' network components and will provide competitive service-level agreements.
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http://www.qwest.com
