Verizon and Novell Partner On Cloud-Based Security Solution

Verizon and Novell have teamed up to provide “Secure Access Services from Verizon” – an on-demand identity and access management service providing enterprise clients more control and stronger security when accessing cloud based applications.

The service, powered by Novell technology, will enable enterprise clients to outsource the infrastructure and expertise required to extend and manage user access to cloud-based resources while maintaining control over policies and governance.

Security is the No. 1 cloud concern among IT professionals, with some experts cautioning without an adequate identity management and security framework, enterprises are putting themselves at risk.

Using the new service, enterprises will have centralized management of applications and network services, identity federation and Web single sign-on — without additional hardware or software, or dedicated IT resources. The service also includes built-in audit features to assist with compliance reporting.

“Cloud computing is core to Verizon’s strategy,” said Kerry Bailey, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Verizon Business. “By working with Novell as part of our overall cloud strategy, we’re providing our clients with a more agile, cost effective and scalable way of securing the enterprise cloud environment so they can reap the full benefits of cloud computing.”

The Verizon identity-as-a-service offering is the first wave of cloud-based solutions the two companies say they will deliver to large enterprises with 500 or more users. With these offerings, Verizon will extend its portfolio of “as-a-service” offerings including a recently announced partnership with IBM to provide a secure enterprise information backup service.

The Secure Access Services will be available to Verizon and Novell clients based in the U.S. starting in June.