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Palo Alto Networks and IBM to Jointly Provide AI-powered Security Offerings; IBM to Deliver Security Consulting Services Across Palo Alto Networks Security Platforms

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Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and IBM have announced a strategic partnership to deliver AI-powered security solutions. Palo Alto Networks will acquire IBM's QRadar SaaS assets, integrating them into its Cortex XSIAM platform. IBM will provide security consulting services across Palo Alto's platforms and train over 1,000 consultants on these products. The partnership includes a joint Security Operations Center and Cyber Range to enhance client understanding of Palo Alto's security solutions. IBM will utilize Palo Alto’s AI-powered security platforms internally for its extensive workforce. This collaboration aims to address complex cybersecurity challenges through AI-driven innovations, accelerating growth and adoption of advanced security operations.

Positive
  • Palo Alto Networks acquires IBM's QRadar SaaS assets, enhancing its AI-powered security offerings.
  • IBM to train over 1,000 consultants on Palo Alto Networks products, boosting expertise and service capacity.
  • The joint Security Operations Center and Cyber Range will enhance client understanding and adoption of Palo Alto's security solutions.
  • IBM's internal use of Palo Alto's AI-powered security platforms showcases the strength and reliability of the solutions.
  • The partnership aims to accelerate growth and adoption of advanced security operations through AI-driven innovations.
Negative
  • Potential integration challenges with the acquired QRadar SaaS assets.
  • Costs associated with training over 1,000 consultants and establishing the joint Security Operations Center.
  • Dependence on AI-driven innovations, which may face technical and regulatory hurdles.

Insights

The strategic partnership between Palo Alto Networks and IBM is poised to create significant synergies and market opportunities. From a financial perspective, Palo Alto Networks' acquisition of IBM's QRadar SaaS assets enhances its security portfolio, potentially leading to increased revenue streams and market share in the cybersecurity sector. This acquisition also aligns with Palo Alto Networks' strategy to integrate more AI capabilities, which could yield efficiency gains and cost savings in the long run.

Moreover, IBM's decision to use Palo Alto Networks' solutions internally and train over 1,000 consultants on these systems demonstrates a strong commitment to this partnership. Such internal adoption can serve as a strong endorsement, potentially attracting new clients and reinforcing trust among existing customers. The no-cost migration services for QRadar clients could also result in a smooth transition, minimizing disruption and retaining customer loyalty.

Investors should note that this collaboration is likely to accelerate revenue growth for both companies, particularly in the booming cybersecurity market. However, the success of this partnership will depend on the seamless integration of the acquired assets and the effectiveness of the AI-powered solutions in delivering tangible security outcomes.

The incorporation of IBM's watsonx large language models (LLMs) into Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex XSIAM platform is a significant technological development. By enhancing Precision AI™ capabilities, this integration can offer more robust threat detection and automation, likely improving the efficiency and effectiveness of security operations. This is particularly relevant as cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated and diverse.

Furthermore, the creation of a joint Security Operations Center and Cyber Range by both companies indicates a comprehensive approach to addressing cybersecurity challenges. These initiatives will not only improve threat response but also offer immersive experiences for clients to understand the benefits of these solutions. This can drive higher customer engagement and trust in Palo Alto Networks' and IBM’s offerings.

However, the success of these technological advancements will depend on their real-world application and the ability to scale these solutions across different industries. Investors should keep an eye on customer feedback and performance metrics post-implementation to gauge the effectiveness of these AI-powered security solutions.

This collaboration marks a significant shift in the market dynamics of the cybersecurity industry. The integration of AI into security operations through the combination of Palo Alto Networks' and IBM's technologies can set new industry standards for automated threat detection and remediation. The training of 1,000 IBM security consultants in Palo Alto Networks' products is a strategic move that can expedite market penetration and adoption rates.

Additionally, the expansion of IBM’s security services portfolio to include Palo Alto Networks' solutions can enhance customer value propositions, making both companies more competitive. The partnership aligns with the broader trend of companies seeking comprehensive, AI-powered security solutions to manage complex cybersecurity threats effectively.

However, market acceptance will be crucial. The industry is highly competitive and the success of this partnership will hinge on the perceived value and performance of the integrated solutions. Investors should monitor market reactions and adoption rates closely to assess the long-term impact of this partnership on both companies' market positions.

News Summary:  

  • IBM to platformize internal security solutions with Palo Alto Networks; Palo Alto Networks will be its preferred cybersecurity partner across network, cloud and SOC
  • Palo Alto Networks will incorporate watsonx large language models (LLMs) in Cortex XSIAM to deliver additional Precision AI™ solutions
  • IBM will bolster its leading security services to drive a significant book of business in cybersecurity and AI security, featuring Palo Alto Networks platforms in its expanded portfolio
  • IBM will train more than 1,000 of its security consultants on migration, adoption and deployment of Palo Alto Networks products
  • Palo Alto Networks has agreed to acquire IBM's QRadar Software as a Service (SaaS) assets, and the two companies will partner to offer seamless migration for QRadar customers to Cortex XSIAM
  • IBM will accelerate innovation and investment in data security and identity and access management for hybrid cloud and AI; will partner with Palo Alto Networks on security operations, threat management, and DevSecOps

SANTA CLARA, Calif. and ARMONK, N.Y., May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, and IBM (NYSE: IBM), a leading provider of hybrid cloud and AI, today announced a broad-reaching partnership to deliver AI-powered security outcomes for customers. The announcement is a testament to Palo Alto Networks' and IBM's commitment to each other's platforms and innovative capabilities.

The expanding and complex enterprise technology landscape, driven by digital transformation and the rapid growth of AI, presents significant cybersecurity challenges. To address increasingly sophisticated threats and evolving attack surfaces, organizations are prioritizing comprehensive security platforms that are underpinned by AI. Palo Alto Networks and IBM aim to help streamline and transform security operations, stop threats at scale, and accelerate incident remediation for their customers with the complete AI-powered approach that is required. These industry dynamics, paired with today's partnership announcement, present significant opportunities for both companies.

As part of this expanded partnership, Palo Alto Networks has agreed to acquire IBM's QRadar SaaS assets, including QRadar intellectual property rights, subject to customary closing conditions. Upon closing, Palo Alto Networks and IBM will facilitate the migration of QRadar SaaS clients to Cortex® XSIAM®, the leading next-generation security operations (SOC) platform, with advanced AI-powered threat protection supported by 3,000 out-of-the-box detectors. On-premise (on-prem) QRadar clients who wish to remain on QRadar on-prem will continue to receive IBM features and support including security, usability and critical bug fixes, as well as updates to existing connectors and the ability to expand consumption. For both QRadar SaaS and on-prem clients who chose to migrate to Cortex XSIAM, the companies, along with their ecosystem of business partners, will closely collaborate to enable a smooth transfer, with IBM and Palo Alto Networks offering no-cost migration services to qualified customers. As part of this agreement, IBM will receive incremental payments from Palo Alto Networks for QRadar on-prem clients who choose to migrate to the Cortex XSIAM platform.    

Nikesh Arora, Chairman and CEO, Palo Alto Networks: 
"The security industry is at an inflection point where AI will transform businesses and deliver outcomes not seen before. It's a moment to accelerate growth and innovation. Together with IBM, we will capitalize on this trend, combining our leading security solutions with IBM's pioneering watsonx AI platform and premier services to drive the future of security platformization with complete, AI-powered, secure-by-design offerings."

Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM: 
"Strategic partnerships like the one we're announcing today with Palo Alto Networks bring with them significant benefits across the industry. Advanced threat protection and automation, underpinned by Cortex XSIAM and watsonx, and coupled with IBM Consulting, will speed client and partner adoption of next-generation security operations. We'll deliver these capabilities with Palo Alto Networks, and accelerate our security investments and innovation in areas like data security and identity and access management. These are critical offerings that our clients need when protecting their data, hybrid cloud environments, AI models and applications. We are delighted to be partnering with the Palo Alto Networks team and we are excited about the future of AI-powered cybersecurity innovation."

Companies to Establish Joint Security Operations Center
IBM Consulting will be a preferred Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) for current and future Palo Alto Networks customers. In addition, a joint Security Operations Center will feature a managed SOC, and the companies will also establish a joint Cyber Range that will offer immersive experiences for customers to further understand the value of Palo Alto Networks security products. IBM's experts with global, regional, and local delivery capabilities will use watsonx, IT automation, and threat intelligence to enhance advisory efforts and drive growth and adoption of Palo Alto Networks security platforms.

As IBM's cybersecurity partner of choice, Palo Alto Networks' leading cybersecurity solutions will be accessible in IBM's Consulting Advantage AI services platform, including the building of assets and repeatable methods to support scale. Together, Palo Alto Networks and IBM will accelerate consultant training, enabling more than 1,000 IBM experts to provide optimal migration, deployment, and adoption services across Palo Alto Networks platforms. IBM will also build industry-vertical capabilities on top of Cortex XSIAM, leveraging watsonx. Consistent with IBM partnerships with other major technology companies, IBM anticipates that this alliance will drive a significant security book of business with Palo Alto Networks.

Strengthening Mutual Customer Relationships 
IBM intends to expand its deployment of Palo Alto Networks AI-powered security platforms internally, adopting Cortex XSIAM for next-gen security operations and Prisma SASE 3.0 for zero-trust network security to safeguard more than 250,000 of its global workforce. IBM's adoption of security platformization is a marquee example of how customers can benefit from the streamlined operations of security products across the Palo Alto Networks portfolio.

Palo Alto Networks intends to integrate watsonx LLMs into Cortex XSIAM to drive additional automation capabilities, as well as leverage IBM's watsonx to accelerate its roadmap to improve customer support outcomes. watsonx will help Palo Alto Networks proactively address known technical issues, create tailored self-service solutions, and boost overall agent productivity within Palo Alto Networks customer support operations. In addition, Palo Alto Networks plans to deploy other IBM software products to benefit from the latest innovations in cloud and automation.

Bringing DevSecOps Capabilities to Market
Through this forward-looking collaboration, IBM will expand its relationship with Prisma® Cloud, the industry's most comprehensive cloud native application protection platform (CNAPP). Prisma Cloud will expand its existing integrations with current and future IBM DevOps offerings, including cloud-native security built for Red Hat OpenShift and Ansible. IBM's strength in DevOps, coupled with Palo Alto Networks cloud security expertise, will embolden "secure-by-design" DevSecOps capabilities for joint customers to help prevent insecure code from running in cloud workloads in production.

The transaction portion of this announcement is expected to close by the end of September 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

About Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks is the world's cybersecurity leader. We innovate to outpace cyberthreats so organizations can embrace technology with confidence. We provide next-gen cybersecurity to thousands of customers globally across all sectors. Our best-in-class cybersecurity platforms and services are backed by industry-leading threat intelligence and strengthened by state-of-the-art automation. Whether deploying our products to enable the Zero Trust Enterprise, responding to a security incident, or partnering to deliver better security outcomes through a world-class partner ecosystem, we're committed to helping ensure each day is safer than the one before. It's what makes us the cybersecurity partner of choice.

At Palo Alto Networks, we're committed to bringing together the very best people in service of our mission, so we're also proud to be the cybersecurity workplace of choice, recognized among Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces (2023, 2022, 2021), with a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (2023, 2022), and HRC Best Places for LGBTQ Equality (2022). For more information, visit www.paloaltonetworks.com.

Palo Alto Networks, Cortex, Cortex XSIAM, Prisma, Precision AI, and the Palo Alto Networks logo are trademarks of Palo Alto Networks, Inc. in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other trademarks, trade names, or service marks used or mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. 

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.IBM.com for more information.

Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this communication may be characterized as forward-looking under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially.

Statements in this communication regarding IBM and Palo Alto Networks that are forward-looking may include statements regarding: (i) the Transaction; (ii) the expected timing of the closing of the Transaction; (iii) considerations taken into account in approving and entering into the Transaction; (iv) the anticipated benefits to, or impact of, the Transaction on IBM's and Palo Alto Networks' businesses; and (v) expectations for IBM and Palo Alto Networks following the closing of the Transaction. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be consummated.

Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, in addition to those identified above, include: (i) the possibility that the conditions to the closing of the Transaction are not satisfied, including required regulatory approvals to consummate the Transaction are not obtained, on a timely basis or at all; (ii) possible disruption related to the Transaction to IBM's and Palo Alto Networks' current plans, operations and business relationships, including through the loss of customers and employees; (iii) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and other charges incurred by IBM and Palo Alto Networks related to the Transaction; (iv) the risk that IBM's or Palo Alto Networks' stock price may fluctuate during the pendency of the Transaction and may decline if the Transaction is not completed; (v) the diversion of IBM and Palo Alto Networks management's time and attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; (vi) the response of competitors and other market participants to the Transaction; (vii) potential litigation relating to the Transaction; (viii) uncertainty as to timing of completion of the Transaction and the ability of each party to consummate the Transaction; and (ix) other risks and uncertainties detailed in the periodic reports that IBM and PAN filed with the SEC, including IBM's and Palo Alto Networks' respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K.  All forward-looking statements in this communication are based on information available to IBM and Palo Alto Networks as of the date of this communication, and, except as required by law, IBM and Palo Alto Networks do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Palo Alto Networks logo (PRNewsFoto/Palo Alto Networks, Inc.) (PRNewsfoto/Palo Alto Networks, Inc.)

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SOURCE Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; IBM

FAQ

What is the focus of the partnership between Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and IBM?

The partnership focuses on delivering AI-powered security solutions and includes the acquisition of IBM's QRadar SaaS assets by Palo Alto Networks.

How will IBM support Palo Alto Networks (PANW) in this partnership?

IBM will provide security consulting services, train over 1,000 consultants on Palo Alto Networks products, and utilize its AI technology watsonx in Palo Alto's solutions.

What assets is Palo Alto Networks (PANW) acquiring from IBM?

Palo Alto Networks is acquiring IBM's QRadar Software as a Service (SaaS) assets, including intellectual property rights.

How will the partnership between Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and IBM benefit customers?

Customers will benefit from enhanced AI-powered security solutions, seamless migration services, and improved support through a joint Security Operations Center.

What are the potential challenges of the Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and IBM partnership?

Potential challenges include integration of QRadar SaaS assets, costs of training and establishment of joint operations, and reliance on AI innovations.

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.

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