Kyndryl has just rolled out a new service: secure access service edge, or SASE, powered by AI technology from Palo Alto Networks. This move comes amidst findings from their latest Readiness report. It turns out that while 94% of business leaders say modernizing technology is crucial, only 39% feel their IT infrastructure is ready to face future risks.
Kyndryl’s goal here is to blend their SASE services with Palo Alto’s Prisma SASE offering. This merger will create a streamlined, cloud-based service that efficiently combines network and security functions. Companies will gain finer control over how users authenticate and authorize themselves, ensuring secure access to essential business applications and supporting technologies like IoT.
To add some credibility to this launch, Kyndryl shared insights from its own transformation since becoming independent. They transitioned from a traditional network setup with 54 data centers to a modern, cloud-focused approach grounded in SASE and zero-trust security principles. They selected services from various technology partners, including Prisma SASE.
Kyndryl’s revamped security posture supports a global hybrid workforce, allowing employees to access crucial business applications from various devices. This has led to reduced IT operational spending. Kyndryl’s technicians, equipped with network security certifications from Palo Alto Networks, are prepared to assist customers in shifting from on-premise setups to a flexible, scalable SASE environment. They aim to deliver top-notch security and an outstanding user experience for both IT teams and end users.
Paul Savill, Kyndryl’s global practice leader for network and edge computing, highlighted the necessity for businesses to upgrade their IT infrastructure and bolster cybersecurity. He pointed out that nearly half of the world’s vital business technology is outdated or approaching its end of life. As AI gains traction within organizations, Kyndryl’s new SASE services—coupled with Palo Alto’s AI-driven Prisma solution—can help businesses securely adopt a zero-trust model, shielding them from cyber threats in real-time.
This launch builds on Kyndryl’s ongoing partnership with Palo Alto Networks, which already supplies services like Prisma Access, next-gen firewalls, private 5G, and operational technology security through its Security Operations Platform, powered by Cortex XSOAR.
Kristy Friedrichs, chief partnerships officer at Palo Alto Networks, noted that adopting a SASE approach is one of the most significant network and security changes a company can undertake. Given the hybrid workforce and the growing threat landscape, businesses require solutions that can scale alongside their needs. They believe their collaborative offering addresses these requirements effectively.