Symantec’s acquisition of Axent Technologies could create a winning combination in the information security market, solution providers and analysts said.
“Overall, I think there’s a little shock, but it definitely can be a positive if it’s handled correctly,” said Chris Ellerman, director of the security practice at N2N Solutions, a US-based Axent Elite partner.
“With Symantec, you have the name recognition, and Axent is unbelievable in what they have in terms of products,” he said. “From an end-user perspective, it’s nothing but great.”
Phil Schacter, director of the network strategy service at research firm The Burton Group, said there is a clear synergy between the companies.
Anti-virus Leader
Axent is well regarded for its corporate firewall and other products in the enterprise, while Symantec is an anti-virus leader, he said.
“There are advantages in having different pieces of the security puzzle being under the control of a corporate family because then we can see some better integration,” he said.
In a conference call, executives at Symantec and Axent said the combination of the companies will create an Internet security powerhouse aimed at the enterprise market.
Under the deal, Symantec will acquire Axent in a stock-for-stock transaction valued at US$975 million.
“This is one of the most significant events in the history of the security industry,” said Gail Hamilton, senior vice president of enterprise solutions at Symantec.
