Building a secure future
Integralis, a provider of IT security solutions (and subsidiary of NTT Communications), has placed the cloud and virtualisation at the top of its agenda, along with mobility and data, according to Garry Sidaway, Director of Security Strategy. Established in 1988, Integralis helps its clients to smartly manage their information security requirements. Operating through its security consulting practice and managed security service and support division, the company delivers solutions that blend managed services, expert consulting and the most appropriate technologies. Over the years, to distinguish its place in the market and in response to customer demand, Integralis has migrated from being a pure security reseller to an integrator and then becoming a provider of managed services. By combining network knowledge and security expertise, Integralis’ consultants resolve complex security, risk and compliance issues, using its technology foundation to innovate, combined with proactive advice.
According to Sidaway, cybercrime, cloud security and consumerisation of IT are driving the market. “In terms of technology, there is growth within areas such as data loss prevention, database security, user management and defences against cybercrime,” said Sidaway. “Major areas to address are data loss prevention and next generation security management. In the past it was easy to manage at the firewall level, but now there is a need for much more correlation between different devices. Security event management is becoming important, while governance, risk management and compliance is still key. Security consultants are moving away from managing individual devices and are now having to provide a dashboard overview of compliance, taking account of a technical view right through to a management view.”
Collaborative working
Employees are now working and interacting in a far more open and collaborative way, increasing the necessity for information security. “Not so long ago everything was web-enabled, now we are cloud and virtualising our business infrastructure,” added Sidaway. “Information security is at the heart of these initiatives as data can be anywhere and accessible from multiple devices. There is also an increase in awareness of managed security services. It’s now much more acceptable to let the experts manage information security efficiently and effectively. Consistent engagement is essential. No matter how or where clients engage with Integralis the same dedicated and professional approach is taken.”
Integralis’ to-do list in 2011 includes sustaining quarter-on-quarter growth, increasing a global footprint while reinforcing its position within the information security market. Integralis Professional Services (an organisation within Integralis) will continue to grow its consultancy revenues which have more than doubled over the past four years. Integralis will also focus on driving value through its blended services model, combining information security consultants and technical expertise with managed security services across the full information security landscape.
“We will constantly evolve as markets and technologies change and new developments come to market,” noted Sidaway. “Our clients have come to rely on Integralis to evaluate and provide practical advice on the latest trends and issues. Clients that work closely with Integralis understand that information needs to be flexible and agile. Integralis provides the necessary resources and expertise to enable its clients and partners to provide flexible and dynamic solutions.”
Integralis has 250 employees in the UK and last year reported a UK turnover of £55.5 million. The firm is recognised as one of the UK’s top IT employers and has won UK Regional Partner of the Year from Juniper Networks and Partner of the Year from F5. “We have over 30 partners, some of which we have worked with for over 20 years,” added Sidaway. “When looking at new vendors we aim to align them to the specific areas where customers are facing challenges. Our new partners are developing solutions for challenges around mobile Internet and offering new defences against cybercrime.”
Garry Sidaway
Security Hotspots
Mobility: Changing workforce dynamics go beyond remote working to smart devices and the need for security policies.
Data: Information is at the heart of businesses and ensuring controlled access to information is essential.
Cloud: Getting a security model that businesses can rely on is vital as security is often cited as a barrier to adoption.