Internet Security Systems
TypePublic
IndustrySoftware
FoundedAtlanta, Georgia, United States (1994 (1994))
FounderChris Klaus
FateAcquired by IBM; division later consolidated
Headquarters
6303 Barfield Road, Atlanta, Georgia
,
United States
Key people
Ginni Rometty
(Chairman, President, and CEO)
ServicesComputer security
ParentIBM (2006–2011)
Websiteiss.net (archived)

Internet Security Systems, Inc., often known simply as ISS or ISSX (after its former NASDAQ ticker symbol), was a provider of security software and managed security services. It provided software and services for computers, servers, networks, and remote locations that involve preemptive security against threats before they affect a business.[1] Founded in 1994, the company was acquired by IBM in 2006.

History

In 1992, while attending the Georgia Institute of Technology, Christopher Klaus developed the first version of Internet Security Scanner. In 1994, Klaus founded Internet Security Systems (ISS) to further develop and market Internet Security Scanner, which later became Internet Scanner. Although the larger shareholder, Klaus took the role of chief technology officer (CTO), while Tom Noonan was recruited as chief executive officer in 1995. In 1996 David Strohm from Greylock Ventures and Bob Davoli, from Sigma Partners, led the first round of venture capital investment in ISS. In 1997, Ted Schlein from Kleiner Perkins and ATT Ventures invested in the next round. The initial public offering of the company on NASDAQ was on March 23, 1998.[2][3]

Further products in security software space followed, including Network Sensor and Server Sensor which were both developed in-house. In 1998, ISS acquired the UK company March Information Systems, and rebranded their Security Manager product as System Scanner. About the same time, ISS acquired the company DbSecure, founded by Eric Gonzales and Aaron C. Newman, to add database security to their products. The DbSecure product was rebranded as Database Scanner. Subsequently, ISS acquired Network ICE and integrated their BlackICE technology into the ISS product range.[3]

In 2004 Klaus stepped down as CTO, although he remained a significant shareholder and chief security advisor. His role as CTO was taken by Chris Rouland.[4]

On August 23, 2006, IBM announced its intention to acquire Internet Security Systems for $1.36 billion and its Japanese subsidiary, ISS KK, for additional $570M.[5] Total acquisition transaction size was $1.93 billion. On October 16, 2006, the deal was approved by ISS shareholders.[6]

By 2011, IBM accumulated more than 10 security-related startups and these, including ISS, were integrated with the security intelligence software company Q1 Labs to form the Security Systems Division.[7] The new unit was headed by Brendan Hannigan, who was Q1 Labs' previous CEO.[8]

Products

IBM has since discontinued ISS' signature product, the Proventia multifunction security appliance. This occurred after a long decline in tech support and licensing renewal service associated with the product.[9]

Product families of ISS include:[10]

Supported products include:

  • Endpoint Secure Control
  • Enterprise Scanner
  • Internet Scanner
  • IBM Open Signatures
  • IBM Security Network Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)[13]
  • Proventia Desktop
  • Proventia Management SiteProtector[14]
  • Proventia Management SiteProtector Web Console
  • Proventia Network Mail Security
  • Proventia Network Multi-Function Security
  • Proventia Server Intrusion Prevention System for Linux[15]
  • Proventia Server Intrusion Prevention System for Windows
  • Proventia Web Application Security
  • Proventia Web Filter
  • Virtual Server Protection for VMWare[16]

Location

IBM Internet Security Systems is headquartered in Sandy Springs, near Atlanta (Georgia, United States). Until late 2003 the company had significant development activities in Mountain View (California, United States), Kassel (Germany), Reading (UK) and Sydney (Australia), but all development has since been relocated to Atlanta. The company also maintains sales offices.[17]

There were many support centers.[18][19]

References

  1. ↑ Newman, Robert (2009). Computer Security: Protecting Digital Resources. Boston: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. p. 428. ISBN 978-0763759940.
  2. ↑ "ISS Overview". IBM Internet Security Systems. Archived from the original on May 21, 2007. Retrieved June 7, 2007.
  3. 1 2 "ISS Timeline". IBM Internet Security Systems. Archived from the original on April 20, 2007. Retrieved June 7, 2007.
  4. ↑ Fisher, Dennis (11 May 2004). "Internet Security Systems CTO Steps Down". The Channel Insider. Archived from the original on August 14, 2020.
  5. ↑ Martin LeMonica (August 23, 2006). "IBM to buy ISS for $1.3 billion". CNET. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  6. ↑ Joris Evers (October 20, 2006). "IBM completes ISS takeover: After $1.3 billion takeover, Atlanta-based ISS is now part of IBM Global Services' Infrastructure Management Services organization". CNET. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  7. ↑ Huang, Gregory (2011-10-04). "Xconomy: IBM Acquires Q1 Labs, Forms New Division Around Software Security". Xconomy. Retrieved 2019-09-12.
  8. ↑ Dignan, Larry. "IBM acquires Q1 Labs, creates security division". ZDNet. Retrieved 2019-09-12.
  9. ↑ Fred O'Connor (2006-10-16). "IBM buys bolster security, content management offerings". Computerworld. Archived from the original on 2007-03-02. Retrieved 2006-10-16.
  10. ↑ "ISS Products". IBM Internet Security Systems. Archived from the original on February 25, 2008. Retrieved June 7, 2007.
  11. ↑ Internet Scanner
  12. ↑ Network Sensor
  13. ↑ IBM Security Network Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
  14. ↑ Proventia Management SiteProtector
  15. ↑ Proventia Server Intrusion Prevention System for Linux
  16. ↑ Virtual Server Protection for VMWare
  17. ↑ "ISS Locations". IBM Internet Security Systems. Archived from the original on February 23, 2008. Retrieved June 7, 2007.
  18. ↑ "Global Security Operations" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-08-08. Retrieved 2013-07-10.
  19. ↑ "Report of Independent Accountants" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2013-07-10.
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