Security firm Sophos will acquire network security solutions provider Astaro for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition aims to fuse their portfolios to provide multi-function security appliances with better protection against threats in an easy to use way. Sophos pointed out that IDC research said the market for unified threat management was US$2bn worldwide in 2010.
“The combination of Astaro’s comprehensive portfolio of network security solutions alongside our endpoint, mobile and email and web threat and data protection capabilities will enable us to continue to deliver on our vision of providing complete security without complexity wherever the user and company data resides,” said Steve Munford, CEO of Sophos.
Astaro has experienced 30pc year-over-year growth in 2010 and is the fourth biggest unified threat management provider. It has 56,000 installations in more than 60 countries with its Europe, Middle East and Africa HQ in Karlsruhe, Germany.
“Demand for network security solutions with more comprehensive and high-quality protection is accelerating fast, and yet companies are struggling with the complexity of multiple security solutions to serve these needs,” stated Jan Hichert, CEO of Astaro.
“We are excited to join forces with Sophos, as we share a common mission and passion for providing the most comprehensive security solutions that are also easy to use. Together, we will deliver to customers the ability to apply consistent security and web and application controls regardless of where the user is or where the network boundary may lie.”
