Symantec starts 2006 with acquisition
Security giant gains foothold in the instant messaging space
Symantec has shown no signs of cutting back on its acquisition spend during 2006, following its decision to acquire instant messaging vendor IMLogic.
The storage and security vendor signed a definitive agreement to acquire IMLogic, developers of enterprise software for instant messaging, for an undisclosed sum. The deal is expected to close after regulatory approval.
Enrique Salem, senior vice president of security products and solutions at Symantec, said in a statement that the acquisition will bring it "unique" advantages.
"With the best-of-breed instant messaging management and compliance software from IMLogic, Symantec will be the first and only vendor to offer a complete security and archiving solution to help customers manage all their messaging requirements," he said.
Symantec and IMLogic have already partnered on a number of different projects, such delivery of IM protection software against internet, malware and spam threats.
Francis de Souza, chief executive of IMLogic, said: "[Customers] understand the requirements for messaging security and a number of them are already using our solutions in combination with Symantec solutions."
Symantec also claimed that the IM market is currently experiencing record growth with businesses in verticals such as shipping and hedge fund advisory.
Tony Price, managing director of online VAR WStore, said the acquisition could provide a boost for the channel in the enterprise space, but was doubtful of any advantages for SME sector sales.
"Symantec could be looking to develop a full corporate product portfolio with this acquisition. I'm sure there will be channel opportunities in the enterprise sector following the acquisition, but not as many in the SME space as most businesses there would probably be happy using free instant messaging clients," he said.