Integra Telecom adds Palo Alto Networks' platform to its cloud services suite

Integra Telecom may be aggressively building out its metro fiber and copper networks to deliver new Ethernet services to its business customer base, but its partnership with Palo Alto Networks shows that the CLEC wants to use those networks as a platform for cloud-based services.

The CLEC will leverage Palo Alto Networks' platform to deliver its upcoming Cloud Firewall Service offering, which will include a mix of new security services, including everything from application visibility and control to URL filtering, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS), anti-virus, anti-spyware and file/data content filtering.

Because the firewall service will be incorporated throughout its fiber network, the new security service suite will be available to both its existing SMBs and an emerging base of regional enterprise customers.

Palo Alto Networks said what sets them apart from other security platforms is that their system provides more granular control and in-depth protection down to the level of individual applications, meaning that businesses will be able to "detect more sophisticated current and emerging cyber threats targeting their critical business systems."

While Integra Telecom may be a relative newcomer to the cloud services game, the addition of cloud services coupled with its growing base of Ethernet products shows that it is thinking about helping SMBs and larger enterprises manage their respective applications. The CLEC plans to unveil more details of its cloud services strategy at this September's ITEXPO.

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