AT&T and IBM tie up to deliver a first-of-its-kind 'network-enabled' cloud service

AT&T and IBM have announced a business agreement to deliver a highly secure, first-of-its-kind "network-enabled" cloud service that uses private networks rather than the public internet.

The companies are combining AT&T virtual private networking and IBM SmartCloud Enterprise+ cloud capabilities with breakthrough technology from AT&T Labs to create a new, fast and highly-secure shared cloud service.

Targeted to Fortune 1000 companies globally, the service will be offered in early 2013 as a powerful new option for clients who are deploying cloud solutions that demand high levels of security and availability. Many businesses often cite security as a key inhibitor to cloud computing adoption.

When customers of the new service connect to IBM cloud computing resources across AT&T's virtual private network, the innovative technology tightly integrates the security protections of both, allowing customers to quickly and reliably shift information or applications between their own data centers (private clouds) and this new cloud service.

"This new service gives companies yet another way to innovate, create new value, and transform their businesses and industries," said Andy Geisse, CEO of AT&T Business Solutions.

"As more organizations realize that cloud can be secure, easily managed, and a key part of their business strategy, cloud will quickly evolve as a tool for innovation rather than just for infrastructure," said Erich Clementi, senior vice president, IBM Global Technology Services.