IBM finalises creation of new security branch with Q1 Labs buy

IBM has finalised the acquisition of security analytics specialist Q1 Labs, which will contribute to a new branch of the company focused on information security.

The IBM Security Systems division was announced earlier this month, and will develop tools to help enterprises detect malicious activity and identify possible information security threats.

IBM confirmed that the new business unit will be headed up by Q1 Labs chief executive Brendan Hannigan.

"The ability to leverage analytics is becoming a competitive differentiator. We are fusing IBM's vast security expertise and analytics to drive security intelligence to clients and fundamentally alter the security marketplace," he said.

The Security Systems unit will include IBM's Tivoli Rational and Information Management systems, along with lab research and hardware platforms.

The closing of the deal comes as IBM announced the appointment of Virginia Rometty as president and chief executive, the first woman to hold the role in the company's history.

Rob Enderle, principal analyst for the Enderle Group, told V3 that Rometty's long-time status as an IBM executive indicates that Big Blue has little interest in making any dramatic changes.

"This suggests that, over the short term, or until conditions and experience cause her to alter course, Rometty will continue to invest in software and services expansion with a particular focus on IBM's Smarter Cities and Smarter World initiatives," he said.

"IBM doesn't pick new chief executives to be disruptive from inside, so expect the course to remain pretty much the same for the near future."