Motorola announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the privately held wireless LAN (WLAN) security provider, AirDefense, in order to enhance Motorola's WLAN offering via AirDefense's cutting-edge technology and established Go-to-Market Team.
Motorola officials said that the company’s common platform solution to provide protection to Wireless LAN Users now brings more reality to all-wireless enterprises, after the transaction.
Motorola is a communications company that develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. The company’s portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories.
Atlanta-based AirDefense is a company that develops Wireless Intrusion Prevention Solutions (WIPS) and premium software applications. The company offers rogue wireless detection, policy enforcement and intrusion prevention thereby facilitating corporations to secure their networks against wireless security threats and also comply with regulatory and industry standards, both inside and outside an organization's physical locations and wired networks.
AirDefense officials said that the company has to its credit as the first company to introduce the first 24x7 Monitoring and Wireless Intrusion Detection System that utilizes access points as sensors and host of add-on modules that address customer specific security problems and RF troubleshooting needs.
AirDefense officials also revealed that their company facilitates with secure multi-vendor environments that enables organizations to take advantage of company’s solutions regardless of their WLAN infrastructure.
Motorola officials said that upon completion of the transaction, AirDefense will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola and will be integrated into Motorola's Enterprise Mobility business.
"As wireless security remains a leading concern for enterprises, we are excited to announce this transaction with AirDefense, which enables Motorola to deliver a common platform solution for greater indoor and outdoor protection to wireless LAN networks in support of our all-wireless enterprise vision," said Kathy Paladino, president of Motorola's Enterprise Mobility business, in the statement.
Paladino further added: "AirDefense is a renowned pioneer in wireless security with strong intellectual capital. Based on our trusted and valuable partnership through the years, we are confident that the combination of Motorola's WLAN infrastructure and AirDefense's best-of-breed features will further enhance our network security offerings and better secure our customers' networks."
"AirDefense complements Motorola's Enterprise business and Motorola is the ideal partner to help us take our wireless LAN security products and services to the next level," said Mike Potts, president and chief executive officer of AirDefense, in the statement.
Potts continued: "We look forward to working with Motorola's talented professionals and utilizing the strengths of a global industry leader to achieve even greater success."
"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, in the statement.
Hajela further added: "Industry compliance requirements such as Payment Card Industry Data Security (PCI DSS) and heightened security awareness have fueled the need for comprehensive compliance, enforcement, and 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."
After the completion of transaction, Motorola plans to maintain AirDefense's Alpharetta, Georgia headquarters, which will be acting as an integral component of Motorola's WLAN operations, said the company.
The acquisition of AirDefense by Motorola is subject to regulatory and other customary conditions, which is expected to close in the next few months. Terms of the transaction or the agreement of acquisition were not disclosed.
Jayashree Adkoli is a contributing editor for IoTevolutionworld. To read more of Jayashree’s articles, please visit her columnist page.
