Symantec has signed a definitive agreement to acquire data loss prevention company Vontu, for 350 million dollars.
The acquisition builds on Symantec’s strong partnership with Vontu and will provide an important component of Symantec’s Security 2.0 vision, which shifts the focus of security from simply securing systems and devices to also protecting the information itself.
In a statement released today, Symantec said it believes Vontu’s products will complement its existing portfolio of endpoint and network security, storage and compliance solutions, to provide customers with the most comprehensive platform for data loss prevention on the market today.
“The combination of Symantec’s existing portfolio and Vontu’s leading products and dedicated team enables us to deliver a central component of our Security 2.0 vision to customers − information-centric security that protects both the device and the information itself,” said Tom Kendra, group president, Security and Data Management Group, Symantec.
“In a business environment that is increasingly competitive, transparent and regulated, companies need confidence that their most valuable asset – information – is safe. Only then will security become more of a business enabler rather than a business inhibitor.”
Companies today are struggling to determine where their most sensitive information is stored, how it is being used, who has access to it and how to prevent it from being lost or compromised. To address the risk of data loss, organizations in every industry are adopting DLP solutions that enable them to find and protect sensitive data stored throughout the enterprise, monitor and prevent confidential data from being copied or sent outside the company and automatically enforce data protection policies.
“The next wave of security is based on one simple idea – it’s about the information,” said Joseph Ansanelli, CEO, Vontu, Inc.
“By joining forces with Symantec and building upon their strength in enterprise security and storage solutions, we will be uniquely positioned to help customers answer the important questions as to where their confidential information is stored, how it is being used, and how best to prevent its loss."
The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2007, subject to receiving regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. |
