BT secures cloud services integration offering with Check point software technologies

BT has formed an agreement with Check Point Software Technologies to embed additional security capabilities into BT’s global network, enabling customers to securely access cloud-based applications wherever they are hosted. The new embedded Cloud Firewall services are part of a range of hosted security solutions being deployed across BT’s global network to deliver its vision of the ‘cloud of clouds’, as announced in April 2015.

As more applications and workloads move to private, public and hybrid clouds, customers require efficient and secure access over a mix of dedicated and public networks. They aim to strike the optimal balance between performance, cost and security. To better protect BT customers’ boundaries with the internet, BT is now deploying additional managed security services at its global internet gateways, based on Check Point’s 13500 series firewall technology.

To improve its cloud services integration capabilities, BT is enhancing the internet breakout from its global network at global gateways. These are located at the world’s major internet peering locations. Breakouts can be deployed on a regional basis, which is best for access to general internet cloud facilities, or on an optimised basis, where traffic is kept on-net and breakout to the internet occurs closer to the traffic’s destination at specific cloud locations.

Keith Langridge, vice president, network services at BT Global Services, said: “As our customers progress in their journey towards cloud-based IT, the need for secured connectivity to cloud resources through the internet has become critical. Our vision is to help them move confidently to cloud whilst minimising the complexity, risk and cost. BT and Check Point have a long track record of successfully working together with world leading multinational companies. Our new embedded Cloud Firewall services considerably reinforce the security credentials of BT’s cloud service integration offering.”

“Check Point is excited to deliver its industry-leading Next Generation Firewall performance and security protection via BT’s Cloud Connect Platform,” said Alon Kantor, vice president of Business Development at Check Point Software Technologies. “We are thrilled to be working with BT on this innovative cloud security offering, protecting enterprises worldwide.”