International Network Services Introduces Patch Management Services.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 8, 2003

Helps organizations manage software patches efficiently and

cost-effectively by developing a customized, integrated patch

management process

International Network Services Inc. (INS), a leading vendor-independent provider of global network consulting and security services, announced today its Patch Management Services, which are designed to facilitate a stable and secure networking environment in large corporate networks. These services assist IT organizations in defining and establishing robust patch management processes, and integrating them into daily operations.

Over the last few years, enterprises have become painfully aware of the increased risk that the Internet has brought to network computing. Widespread, unceasing hacker attacks have been exacerbated by the discovery of security holes in many of the most widely used network and application software products. As a consequence, software vendors have had to release a flood of patches to fix these vulnerabilities in their products. For IT organizations, however, implementing all released patches would require an extraordinary amount of time and effort, assuming each was prioritized, thoroughly tested, and then implemented across the entire infrastructure. Many IT organizations, however, lack standard processes and procedures that would enable them to manage an efficient and economical patch management program.

"Patch management has become a huge issue and headache for IT managers responsible for securing their network infrastructure from attack," said Jim Tiller, INS Chief Security Officer. "With the stakes so high, having a well-planned process to evaluate each patch for its risk potential, design a testing regimen, and roll out an orderly implementation is an essential part of any security program."

Under the Patch Management Services, INS consultants will plan and design a customized, patch management process utilizing its structured NSA IA-CMM Certified Network Engagement Methodology, advanced security techniques, and thorough knowledge of industry-standard best practices such as ITIL/ITSM and ISO-17799. INS will assess, review, plan, test, and implement an integrated process that can be managed and maintained by the client, resulting in a clear connection between business and security functions and IT. INS is uniquely qualified to deliver Patch Management Services because of the strength of its security, operating systems, and network and systems management expertise, each built on a decade or more of experience.

"Patch management ties closely to configuration and change management, which control all aspects of the IS infrastructure," said Michael Trofimoff, Managing Director of INS Network and Systems Management services. "Systematically resolving security threats and patch management problems within a change management framework allows organizations to identify and remediate specific configuration problems and improve the performance and reliability of their infrastructure."

About INS:

International Network Services Inc. (INS) provides network consulting services and business solutions to help companies build, secure, and manage business-critical network infrastructures. Our end-to-end network consulting solutions address customers' needs in Next Generation Networking, Security, and Network and Systems Management, helping them optimize their business to better face competitive challenges and meet future demands. We are one of the world's largest independent network consulting and security services providers with a track record of thousands of successful engagements. INS is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. and has offices across the U.S. and Europe. For additional information, please contact INS at 1-888-767-2788 in the U.S., 44 (0) 1628 503000 in Europe, or 1-408-330-2700 worldwide, or visit www.ins.com.

The knowledge behind the network(R)

The knowledge behind the network is a registered trademark of INS.