BT Integrates Zscaler Cloud Security Access Points into Global Network

BT today announced it is directly connecting Zscaler access points into its global network so that BT customers can benefit from lower latency and better performing applications over secure Internet connections. The improved interconnectivity reduces the need to move traffic over great distances to access Zscaler nodes for secure internet access. 

BT’s Assure Managed Cloud with Zscaler service scans and filters every byte of network traffic, including SSL-encrypted sessions, as it passes to and from the internet. The Zscaler access points - now integrated into BT’s network - act as a series of traffic checkposts between organisations and the public Internet to identify and block potential threats and to protect intellectual property.

As a cloud-based service, no hardware or maintenance is required and the management of Internet policies and reporting are done from a single centralised portal. This helps ensure consistent protection and policy across all users in an organisation.

The new Zscaler and BT interconnection points will initially be available in Europe, followed by extension of the service to the Americas and Asia Pacific. The new service comes at no additional cost to existing customers as part of the ongoing investment into BT’s portfolio of internet connectivity and cloud security services. 

Mark Hughes, CEO, BT Security, said: “We are pleased to add this improvement to our growing portfolio of solutions helping customers take advantage of the cloud. Based on Zscaler’s cutting edge technology, this latest enhancement of Assure Managed Cloud brings to our customers increased confidence and convenience at no additional cost or investment into hardware or software.”

Jay Chaudhry, CEO, Zscaler, said: “BT’s global brand, reach and expertise puts them in a unique position to help companies better align IT with business initiatives. The datacentre is undergoing a significant transformation.  Applications are moving to the cloud and it’s breaking the traditional hub and spoke network and security model. To securely embrace the cloud, organizations need to enable cloud networking and the joint solution with BT facilitates this transformation.” 

About BT

BT’s purpose is to use the power of communications to make a better world. It is one of the world’s leading providers of communications services and solutions, serving customers in more than 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to its customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband, TV and internet products and services; and converged fixed-mobile products and services.   As of 31 March 2016, BT consisted principally of six customer-facing lines of business: BT Global Services, BT Business, BT Consumer, EE, BT Wholesale and Openreach.  With effect from 1 April 2016, the group has been reorganised and the customer-facing lines of business are now:  Global Services, Business and Public Sector, Consumer, EE, Wholesale and Ventures, and Openreach.

For the year ended 31 March 2015, BT Group’s reported revenue was £17,979m with reported profit before taxation of £2,645m.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.