Level 3 launches cloud-based Enterprise Security Gateway, aiming to reduce complexity, costs

Level 3 Communications has launched its Enterprise Security Gateway (ESG), a cloud-based network security system that addresses business customers' security needs as they transition to cloud services. Set to be available on a global basis beginning on June 30, ESG will enable customers to move the security perimeter of their company or data center to the Level 3 network. Chris Richter, SVP of managed security services at Level 3 Communications, told FierceTelecom what drove the company to develop ESG was that its customers said they were dedicating more IT resources toward battling security threats. "I met with a group of CIOs in London and one of them said that they are spending 60 percent of his IT budget on just security, which is the wrong thing to do," Richter said. "It's starting to impact production and revenue generating IT."