Palo Alto Networks, a global leader in security, and IBM, a prominent provider of hybrid cloud and AI solutions, are collaborating to offer advanced AI-driven cybersecurity solutions. This partnership highlights both companies’ commitment to enhancing security operations through innovative technologies.
As digital transformation accelerates and AI technologies expand, cybersecurity challenges are becoming more complex. Organizations are increasingly seeking comprehensive, AI-enhanced security platforms to address sophisticated threats and evolving attack surfaces. Palo Alto Networks and IBM aim to meet these needs by streamlining security operations, mitigating threats at scale, and expediting incident remediation for their clients.
A key aspect of this partnership involves Palo Alto Networks acquiring IBM’s QRadar SaaS assets, including intellectual property rights, subject to standard closing conditions. Post-acquisition, both companies will support the migration of QRadar SaaS clients to Cortex® XSIAM®, Palo Alto Networks’ next-generation security operations platform, known for its advanced AI-powered threat protection with over 3,000 built-in detectors. QRadar on-premises clients who choose to remain on the existing platform will continue to receive support from IBM, including essential updates and security enhancements.
Additionally, IBM will become a preferred Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) for Palo Alto Networks’ customers. The partnership will also establish a joint Security Operations Center, offering a managed SOC and a Cyber Range for immersive cybersecurity experiences. IBM Consulting will leverage its global expertise, integrating Watsonx AI and IT automation to enhance security advisory services and promote the adoption of Palo Alto Networks’ platforms.
Nikesh Arora, Chairman and CEO of Palo Alto Networks, stated, “The security industry is at an inflection point where AI will transform businesses and deliver outcomes not seen before. It’s a moment to accelerate growth and innovation. Together with IBM, we will capitalize on this trend, combining our leading security solutions with IBM’s pioneering watsonx AI platform and premier services to drive the future of security platformization with complete, AI-powered, secure-by-design offerings.”
Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, added, “Strategic partnerships like the one we’re announcing today with Palo Alto Networks bring significant benefits across the industry. Advanced threat protection and automation, underpinned by Cortex XSIAM and watsonx, and coupled with IBM Consulting, will speed client and partner adoption of next-generation security operations. We’ll deliver these capabilities with Palo Alto Networks and accelerate our security investments and innovation in areas like data security and identity and access management. These are critical offerings that our clients need when protecting their data, hybrid cloud environments, AI models, and applications. We are delighted to be partnering with the Palo Alto Networks team and are excited about the future of AI-powered cybersecurity innovation.”
In addition to these strategic initiatives, IBM plans to deploy Palo Alto Networks’ AI-powered security platforms internally, adopting Cortex XSIAM for security operations and Prisma SASE 3.0 for zero-trust network security to protect its global workforce. Palo Alto Networks will integrate IBM’s watsonx into Cortex XSIAM to enhance automation capabilities and customer support outcomes.
