Security-as-a-Service Gaining Popularity

Computerworld — Organizations that are looking for security features including identity management, encryption and access control -- and at the same time want to take advantage of the cost and flexibility benefits of the cloud -- might check into security-as-a-service offerings available now from several vendors.

In this scenario, security is delivered as a service from the cloud, without requiring on-premises hardware. "The largest benefit to using security as a service is the ability to avoid sometimes substantial capital outlays," says Lawrence Pingree, a research director at Gartner Inc. who covers the security market.

In addition, Pingree says, some of the cloud-based security services provide the flexibility needed to address certain use cases. For example, email filtering services are popular since some mobile device platforms limit the ability for endpoint protection products to run on them.