IBM hones security blades

IBM is unveiling new blade systems for telco security

IBM has announced a new blade server system designed specifically for high-traffic network security.

The BladeCenter PN41 is aimed at internet service providers looking to beef up security and better manage traffic.

The server will combine an IBM BladeCenter unit with a bundle of security and network management software from CloudShield.

This will allow service providers to monitor web traffic for suspicious activity and then filter and divert potentially malicious programs.

IBM hopes to aim the PN41 primarily at streaming ISPs and streaming video services tasked with providing security among huge amounts of traffic.

Among the attacks which the system professes to help prevent are denial of service and Domain Name System attacks, both of which have been connected to recent high-profile incidents.

"The IBM BladeCenter PN41 enables service providers to manage their network, security and telecoms technology on an integrated platform," said Jim Pertzborn, vice president of telecoms industry solutions at IBM's Systems Group.

"This integration can help service providers meet their customers' evolving requirements for data, voice and video services from anywhere, at anytime and over any device."

The company hopes to make the new servers available this year, and sees the PN41 as part of a larger systems package IBM can offer to telcos through its Telecom Integrated Solution for Security programme along with the Tivoli Security Operations Manager and Proventia Intrusion Protection offerings.