Microsoft gobbles up another security firm

Microsoft acquires cloud security player Adallom for undisclosed amount

Microsoft has bolstered its security offering by snapping up cloud security firm Adallom for an undisclosed amount.

Founded in 2012, Adallom provides visibility and control for customers' applications and stored data across cloud services. Adallom works with cloud applications including Dropbox, Box and Salesforce.

Takeshi Numoto, vice president of cloud and enterprise marketing at Microsoft, said the deal is testament to the company's security credentials.

"This acquisition is the latest example of Microsoft's commitment to delivering innovative identity and security capabilities to our customers, across both on-premises and multiple clouds," he said on the Microsoft blog.

"With more frequent and advanced cyber-security attacks continuing to make headlines, customer concerns around security remain top of mind. These concerns pose real challenges for IT, who are charged with protecting company data in this rapidly evolving mobile-first, cloud-first world. In this world, identity is a critical control plane for managing and protecting access to applications and data."

He said the deal will complement Microsoft's current security portfolio, including its Advanced Threat Analytics.

The acquisition follows Microsoft's deal for enterprise security provider Aorato last November.

Industry analyst Megabuyte said the Adallom buy will complement Aorato's technology.

"According to reports, Microsoft intends to use Adallom as the base for its cyber-security business in Israel, with Adallom's technology to be integrated with Microsoft's existing security offerings. Indeed, the two Israeli deals look to complement each other, with Microsoft having just launched its Advanced Threat Analytics product, which derived from its Aorato purchase," the analyst said.

Assaf Rappaport, co-founder of Adallom, said on a company blog that he was delighted to join Microsoft.

"Today I'm excited to announce another validation of Adallom, our vision, our team and our technology - we are joining the Microsoft family. This acquisition represents a major investment in cloud and software-as-a service application security for the Microsoft team," he said.