READING, England, Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon EMEA has joined Microsoft's Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) Pro Network, a group of experienced security service providers specializing in application security. Verizon will now add SDL capabilities alongside its existing, robust suite of security services, offered through its Terremark subsidiary, to help enterprise customers build secure, robust development lifecycles in a cost-effective manner, as part of an integrated security approach.

The Security Development Lifecycle is a leading software security assurance process, which is designed to position security and privacy concerns at the core of the software development process.   It incorporates training, requirements, design, implementation, verification, release and response capabilities to help enterprises realize security improvements, control overall development costs, and strengthen the security assurance of associated applications. The Microsoft SDL Pro Network recognizes those security consultants and trainers with significant SDL methodology and technology expertise, who can help make software more secure and reliable.

Dirk Beynaerts, EMEA head of Global Consulting & Integration Services for Verizon Enterprise Solutions, said: "By focusing on security as a core component in the software development process, enterprises can discover vulnerabilities early in the process, leading to improved application security and privacy, and reduced business risk. Microsoft's SDL process is widely recognized as leading in its field. By joining the SDL Pro network, Verizon is able to combine this best-practice approach with its own extensive consulting experience and expertise to help customers realize additional technical, cost and business alignment benefits."

Verizon's existing security services include governance, risk and compliance solutions; identity and access management solutions; investigative response; data protection services; threat and vulnerability management services.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 94 million retail customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500.  A Dow 30 company with $111 billion in 2011 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 188,000.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

SOURCE Verizon