BT has acquired managed security services vendor
Counterpane Internet Security in a deal said to be worth “tens of
millions of dollars”.
Counterpane, founded by widely visible security commentator
Bruce Schneier, monitors and manages the security of about 550
corporate networks worldwide. Its acquisition continues a trend of
consolidation in the security market, as larger companies have
picked up smaller ones to boost technical expertise within their
own services practices.
In another example, IBM recently completed the $1.3bn
acquisition of one of the best-known managed services companies,
Atlanta's Internet Security Systems.
Schneier will stay on as chief technology officer for the
Counterpane unit, as well as continue to be an independent security
commentator.
Rationalisation in the security world was clearly due, with a
whole range of companies – notably in the storage space – eager to
buy in security expertise. EMC, for example, bought RSA Security –
but BT buying Counterpane? That was probably one that many didn’t
see coming.
