CPCNet, a local network provider has joined the market in security services by partnering with security companies like CyberTrust. "Companies are wary of buying their own technology and having to manage it all themselves," said Stephen Ho, CEO at CPCNet. "Enterprises are looking for expert skills to help relieve the burden."

While both large and smaller firms seek providers to help tackle the security challenge, Ho notes the demands are wide-ranging. Traditional antivirus, email and firewall management services are quite common today, but increasingly, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS and IPS) are being sought, Ho added.

Eye on applications

The demand for emerging network-related services is compelling service providers to become more involved in the management of tasks beyond the traditional scope of many telecoms firms. "We're no longer just a bandwidth provider," said PCCW's Lee, "we're touching applications and often helping customers run the application more effectively."

Providers in some cases are helping customers test applications on the network and ensure smooth operation. But Lee noted that while telcos are not yet taking on the full management of applications, "the customer touch-points are increasing," he added.