Alert Logic's Software-as-a-Service Model Helps Columbia College Control Costs and Improve Network Intrusion Protection.

College with Highly Distributed Network Turns to Alert Logic For On-Demand IT Security

HOUSTON -- Columbia College, a 32-campus academic institution with two highly distributed networks, has turned to Alert Logic to address the school's need for on-demand IT security protection.

Alert Logic is the only network security company leveraging a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform to deliver on-demand protection to mid-sized businesses, service providers and other organizations like Columbia College.

Based in Columbia, Missouri, Columbia College is a private, not-for-profit institution serving almost 25,000 students annually in its day campus, evening campus, online campus and graduate studies.

Alert Logic's unique on-demand network intrusion protection model was central to the college's decision to replace its previous solution, according to network security analyst Jason Youngquist, who is responsible for maintaining security for Columbia's two highly distributed networks - one for its employee base of 1,100 and the other for its large student body.

"My analysis showed that 'software as a service' would be beneficial for our college, and Alert Logic's on-demand model addressed our goal to avoid the up-front cost of software and hardware that would otherwise be needed for intrusion defense and vulnerability scanning."

"In addition, with Alert Logic we didn't need to invest the time or add the staff to manage and maintain an in-house solution," said Youngquist. "Alert Logic's solution is more affordable and more flexible - enabling Columbia College to benefit from advanced security protection."

Alert Logic's Threat Manager solution provides a subscription service that gives Columbia College advanced vulnerability assessment and network protection from threats on the interior of their network backed by 24x7x365 monitoring by the certified security experts at Alert Logic.

The cost savings resulting from the switch to Alert Logic enabled Columbia to add an additional layer of network security with Alert Logic and receive both vulnerability assessment and intrusion protection solutions. "The Alert Logic solution matched the competitive products, providing much more value for our investment and additional threat protection," said Youngquist. "I can launch a vulnerability scan on Monday, look at the results the next day and sit down with the system administrators to discuss any potential vulnerabilities and fixes."

"Alert Logic's on-demand approach to IT security is ideal for Columbia College and other organizations looking to improve their network protection without having to invest in technology and support staff," said Chris Smith, vice president of marketing for Alert Logic. "Alert Logic's on-demand style of delivery is perfectly suited for schools like Columbia College which have been left behind by the major network security vendors with a one-size-fits-all approach."

About Alert Logic

Alert Logic's on-demand network security solutions deliver intrusion protection, vulnerability assessment, and improved IT compliance at a fraction of the cost of traditional products. Unlike appliance or software products, its Software-as-a-Service platform delivers solutions on-demand - featuring rapid deployment, zero maintenance, and no hardware or software costs. As a result, Alert Logic customers can defend against intrusions and worms, continuously discover and correct network vulnerabilities, and help ensure compliance with policies and regulations. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, more information about Alert Logic's Network Protection On Demand is available at www.alertlogic.com.