Verizon is entering the managed security and storage service markets by turning internal operations outward toward enterprise customers.

Verizon is currently briefing its Enterprise Solutions Group customers on the new services, which will be offered on a nationwide basis. Managed security will be run from the carrier's Global Security Operations Center near Dallas; storage will be operated out of a Verizon data center in Tampa, Fla.

Verizon joins an expanding list of RBOCs, IXCs, smaller companies - such as managed security service providers (MSSP) - and systems integrators offering outsourced security services to enterprises. AT&T recently began offering services developed initially for internal use to enterprise customers; and SBC recently announced a managed intrusion-prevention service as an addition to a roster of managed security services the RBOC currently offers.

MCI, which is being acquired by Verizon, bought MSSP NetSec earlier this year.

According to the Yankee Group, businesses spent only $150 million on network-based security services in 2003. By 2008, the firm forecasts that spending will grow to $570 million, a compound annual growth rate of 30.6%.

The Yankee Group estimates that the cost of deploying carrier-based services is 20% cheaper than customer premises-based services.

Up to now, Verizon resold security services from Integralis, a security systems integrator with U.S. operations in East Hartford, Conn. Integralis will now purchase, install and maintain security equipment, while Verizon personnel will actually monitor customer networks.

Managed storage will encompass everything from data backup, archival and recovery to storage-area network operation and management. Verizon had been offering its internal storage capacity to enterprises on a limited, customized basis, but the carrier is now opening up its internal IT and data center capabilities to customers, accompanied by standard service-level agreements.