Expanding is roles in the computer software security industry, Symantec
is buying privately-held SafeWeb for $26 million in
cash.
SafeWeb Inc., based in Emeryville, Calif., makes software that enables
enterprises to allow remote users to access secure computer networks,
without requiring the installation of special software.
“The acquisition of SafeWeb is part of the bigger picture, where Symantec is
leading security software vendor and it will continue to acquire, partner
and build its own software to improve its product portfolio,” said Fred
Ziegel, senior vice president, Brean Murray & Company.
Symantec said it will offer customers the SafeWeb service as a standalone
product beginning in the first quarter of 2004. Thereafter, Symantec has
plans to integrate the features of SafeWeb’s software into Symantec’s
Gateway Security Appliance later in 2004.
Symantec calls SafeWeb’s software “clientless VPN technology,”
virtual private network technology that does not rely on a client.
“There are two ways you can construct a VPN. Either using IPSEC
of your customers needs,” Ziegel said.
“Some argue that SSL is the easier way to go, while other will want to use
IPSEC technology for some applications and levels of security access,” added
Ziegel.
Symantec said one of the reasons for the acquisition was at reducing “the
cost and complexity of deploying, managing and maintaining secure access to
remote user,” the company said in a statement.
“SafeWeb’s SEA Tsunami is an SSL VPN appliance that enables companies to
selectively grant secure remote access to network resources without the need
to install additional software on the remote user’s computer. Remote users
can access virtually any application (Web, terminal, Outlook, Lotus Notes,
legacy client/server) as well as email, file servers and printers. In
eliminating the need for proprietary VPN client software, the SEA Tsunami
drastically reduces the administrative cost and complexity traditionally
involved in securing remote access while increasing ease of use and
accessibility for end users,” Symantec said.
In a separate announcement, Symantec on Monday said it is releasing Symantec
Ghost 8.0 Corporate Edition. Symantec’s software is a new version of its software program for IT administrators that need to issue software
patches across an entire network.
Symantec says Ghost 8.0 provides customers with a comprehensive PC
management solution and allows for “an effective solution for operating
system deployment, software distribution and back-up and disaster recovery.”
Symantec says Ghost 8.0 Corporate Edition has new hardware and software
inventory features, which enable IT administrators to manage their networks
from a central location.
Symantec goes to say the new software suite offers “operating system
deployment, configuration, computer migration and software deployment across
hardware platforms and operating system types. The solution offers IT
administrators the ability to deploy or restore an OS image or application
onto a PC in minutes and easily migrate individual user settings and
profiles to customize the PC.”
Some of the specific features of Ghost 8.0, include hardware/software
investor, client staging area, multicast file transfer, Microsoft Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) Support, External Media
Support and, Enhanced File System Support.
On Wednesday, October 22, Symantec will report its quarterly financial
results.
Ziegel said he expects to see Symantec continue to make acquisitions for
specific technologies to augment its product portfolio, and the purchase of
SafeWeb is a drop in the bucket, given Symantec’s significant cash reserves
to go towards merger and acquisition activity.
