Wednesday, 6 August 2008

Motorola Acquires WLAN Security Provider

Communications giant Motorola this week made headlines, signing a definitive agreement to acquire privately held AirDefense, a wireless LAN (WLAN) security provider.

AirDefense is a privately-held developer of Wireless Intrusion Prevention Solutions (WIPS) and premium software applications, which enable corporations to secure their networks against wireless security threats and comply with regulatory and industry standards.

Since its inception in 2001, AirDefense has been notable for the introduction of the first 24x7 Monitoring and Wireless Intrusion Detection System, the first use of access points as sensors and a host of add-on modules that address customer specific security problems and RF troubleshooting needs. In addition, AirDefense enables secure multi-vendor environments, which allows organizations to benefit from AirDefense’s solutions regardless of their WLAN infrastructure.

"WIPS solutions have gained significant traction as Wireless LANs have become pervasive in industries from the federal government to financial services,” said Sujai Hajela, vice president and general manager, Motorola Enterprise Wireless LAN division.

“Industry compliance requirements such as Payment Card Industry Data Security (PCI DSS) and heightened security awareness have fueled the need for comprehensive compliance, enforcement, forensics and reporting, which is offered by AirDefense solutions.

“This transaction is a tremendous opportunity for Motorola to enhance its WLAN portfolio by utilizing AirDefense’s relationships and further integrating WIPS security solutions into our WLAN infrastructure offering. Together, we are a leader in helping businesses truly realize the vision of a secure and reliable all-wireless enterprise.”

Upon completion of the transaction, AirDefense will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola and will be integrated into Motorola’s Enterprise Mobility business.

Motorola intends to maintain AirDefense’s Alpharetta, Georgia headquarters, which will be an integral component of Motorola’s WLAN operations.

The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory and other customary conditions, is expected to close in the next few months.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.