Yesterday IBM/Rational announced it will acquire Watchfire, makers of the AppScan web security scanning tool. While the pundits down in Stamford, CT and the like pine about how the Watchfire acquisition is part of IBM’s effort to bolster its own security development lifecycle, I have two comments: This has nothing to do with IBM wanting to bolster anything, esp internally. It’s all about IBM (for a change) making a proactive move to one-up their competition in the Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) space. Hello Microsoft, Borland, and Compuware… are you listening?!?! IT’S ABOUT TIME!!! Software quality solutions from large ALM vendors have long been missing a security angle. The application security problem (a very large one in case you haven’t been paying attention) will never get solved until it is addressed on the desktops of those who are defining, writing, and testing the applications. Bravo IBM/Rational for taking the first step… may you not be the last!! Related content opinion My Concerns with CyberSecurity Legislation – no teeth, paper audits, and “security” auditors By Ed Adams Jan 06, 2012 3 mins Data and Information Security opinion Sony CISO Reporting to Executive Management. Maybe Cyber Security Czar will follow suit? By Ed Adams Nov 17, 2011 2 mins Data and Information Security opinion Sony appoints CISO in response to PlayStation attacks……but reports to the CIO????? By Ed Adams Oct 28, 2011 2 mins Data and Information Security IT Leadership opinion Q&A with Myself - Thoughts on Sony, DOD, RSA, IMF & Lockheed Martin By Ed Adams Sep 22, 2011 3 mins Data and Information Security IT Leadership Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe