IBM rolls out managed email security service

IBM Global Services has unveiled a managed email security service which it claims will form a first line of defence by scanning email and blocking viruses, spam and other unwanted content before they can infiltrate an organisation.

Email Security Management Services is based on technology from content security firm MessageLabs, and uses multiple scanners and predictive technology to help detect and stop viruses.

It also incorporates email image filtering which uses composition analysis to help identify and stop unwanted images from entering and leaving an organisation.

Anti-spam protection aims to identify, quarantine and reduce unsolicited email.

Michel Bobillier, global offering executive at IBM Global Services, said in a statement: "With IBM's managed security services we have been helping customers manage their network security for years.

"Now we are able to extend that on-demand security capability beyond the customer's network and help prevent unwanted email content even before it reaches the network."