Global provider of communications services and solutions BT has announced an agreement with Check Point Software Technologies to embed additional security capabilities into BT's network. According to BT this will enable customers to securely access cloud-based applications wherever they are hosted.

The announcement of new cloud firewall services forms part of BT's 'cloud of clouds' vision, introduced in April 2015.

BT says additional managed security services deployed at its global internet gateways is based on Check Point's 13500 series firewall technology.

The services provider says it is also enhancing the internet breakout from its global network at global gateways.

In a release issued to the media, BT said, "These are located at the world's major internet peering locations. Breakouts can be deployed on a regional basis, which is best for access to general internet cloud facilities, or on an optimised basis, where traffic is kept on-net and breakout to the internet occurs closer to the traffic's destination at specific cloud locations."

Keith Langridge, vice president, network services at BT Global Services, said: "As our customers progress in their journey towards cloud-based IT, the need for secured connectivity to cloud resources through the internet has become critical. Our vision is to help them move confidently to cloud whilst minimising the complexity, risk and cost. BT and Check Point have a long track record of successfully working together with world leading multinational companies."

"Check Point is excited to deliver its industry-leading Next Generation Firewall performance and security protection via BT's Cloud Connect Platform," said Alon Kantor, vice president of Business Development at Check Point Software Technologies. "We are thrilled to be working with BT on this innovative cloud security offering, protecting enterprises worldwide."

IT security specialists Securicom have made reference to a Gartner prediction that by 2018, more than half of organisations will use service providers that specialise in data protection, security risk management and security infrastructure management.

Gartner has also been quoted as stating that more than 30% of security controls deployed to the small or midsize business (SMB) segment will be cloud-based this year.