Blue Coat Systems, Inc. announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ositis Software, Inc., a provider of integrated email and web antivirus appliances, for approximately US$7.1 million in cash, stock and assumed liabilities.
“This move will have a positive outcome for Middle East customers. Ositis antivirus is a known brand in the market and we believe that this acquisition adds tremendous value to our business,” says Ray Kafity, Blue Coat Middle East general manager.
The acquisition will add Ositis’ eShield email and web antivirus appliance to Blue Coat’s product portfolio. With the addition of email antivirus support, Blue Coat believes it offers complete control for all enterprise internet communications.
Ositis is the world’s third-largest provider of antivirus appliances, which is the fastest growing segment of the overall antivirus market. According to market research firm IDC, the US$26 million market is projected to grow to nearly US$466 million by 2007, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 78%.
“We are excited to be expanding our industry-leading proxy platform with controls for email antivirus. The combination of the Ositis eShield appliance with Blue Coat’s ProxySG will provide customers with enterprise-class solutions for controlling all email and Web communications over the internet,” says Brian NeSmith, president and CEO of Blue Coat.
Blue Coat added that it will continue to offer customers choice in implementing a multi-vendor antivirus defense. In addition to Blue Coat’s current antivirus partners, Ositis has a partnerships with McAfee, Trend Micro, Sophos and Panda Software for the gateway, server and desktop layers.
“Joining Blue Coat’s winning team is an exceptional step forward in providing customers with the most cost-effective solutions for controlling internet communications,” says Vilis Ositis, founder and CEO of Ositis Software.
In addition to the eShield antivirus appliance, Ositis is also a provider of the WinProxy internet sharing and proxy software, which is used by more than 300,000 users worldwide.
