Level 3 unveils network security solutions set

Level 3 Communications (NYSE: LVLT) on Monday introduced a global security solutions suite that it says will provide multi-layered protection as customers grow their businesses.

As an integrated solution, the service provider is bundling the new security services with its other network services like Ethernet and professional services to provide a solution that best fits a particular business' needs.

Anthony Christie, Level 3's chief marketing officer, said in a press release announcing the new product that Level 3 is taking an "Earth to Cloud" approach to security that "combines a number of layers of increasingly sophisticated protection from the ground up, beginning with the way our network was designed and constructed in the ground, with diverse routes and other structural protection."

This new suite of security services includes several major elements: Level 3 Secure Access Services, Managed Security Services, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) mitigation and Security Consulting Services; vulnerability scanning combined with DDoS blocking and other traditional elements like antivirus, anti-spam and intrusion detection capabilities; and the ability for a customer to get network access and protection from one service provider.  

In the event that a security issue does arise, Level 3 provides 24x7x365 access to security experts that business customers can consult from four redundant security operation centers (SOCs).

The timing for this service could not be better. A new Frost & Sullivan report forecast that the global market for managed security solutions will increase from $7.9 billion in 2012 to $15.6 billion in 2016.

Broadening its security capabilities comes at a time when the newly combined Level 3/Global Crossing is enhancing its focus on key vertical market segments like health care and the financial industry. This move was clearly reflected in Level 3's Q2 earnings where strong enterprise sales helped its Core Network Services grow 0.7 percent sequentially to $1.39 billion.

For more:
- see the release

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