CISOs Grapple With IBM’s Unexpected Cybersecurity Software Exit

CISOs Grapple With IBM's Unexpected Cybersecurity Software Exit

May 17, 2024 at 06:31PM

IBM has agreed to sell its QRadar SaaS portfolio to Palo Alto Networks, impacting CISOs’ procurement plans and vendor relationships. This deal, expected to close by September, includes a partnership for IBM Consulting to become a preferred MSSP for Palo Alto Networks customers. Customers now face decisions about migration paths and future options.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting Notes:

1. IBM has agreed to sell the QRadar SaaS portfolio to Palo Alto Networks, which will impact the competitive landscape and procurement plans for many CISOs.

2. The deal includes IBM Consulting becoming a “preferred managed security services provider (MSSP)” for Palo Alto Networks customers, with the two vendors sharing a joint security operations center (SOC).

3. Customers are now faced with the decision of migrating to Palo Alto’s Cortex XSIAM or evaluating other options due to IBM’s divestiture of its QRadar SaaS business.

4. Analysts believe that the acquisition will benefit Palo Alto Networks in bolstering its Cortex XSIAM SIEM offering and attracting more customers, but there are concerns about the future of QRadar SaaS and the potential confusion for existing customers.

5. There are doubts about the long-term plans for the QRadar SaaS offering under Palo Alto Networks and the feasibility of migrating QRadar customers to XSIAM in the near future.

6. The agreement also involves incorporating IBM’s watsonx large language models into Cortex XSIAM, which will provide new Precision AI tools.

These takeaways highlight the significant impact of IBM’s departure from cybersecurity software and the implications for both IBM and Palo Alto Networks customers.

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