Perimeter scans, vulnerability assessments, and re-evaluated business continuity plans became even more sought-after during the frenzied dash to plug enterprise holes after the events of Sept. 11.

One year later, acceptance of increased security responsibility and shrunken IT budgets have shifted priorities: Customers' knee-jerk reaction has given way to an infrastructure-conscious and stable defense posture, security experts say.

"People are being asked to do more with less, and nobody's willing to sacrifice security in the process," says Maria Cirino, co-founder and CEO of Guardent, a Waltham, Mass.-based managed security services provider. "They have to achieve security, and they have to save money. They have no choice.

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