Sophos buys Dialog to strengthen MDM
Security firm plans unified threat management platform combining its own products with its new unit's smartMan
Published: 10 April, 2012
As corporations embrace BYOD (bring your own device) policies, the mobile device management (MDM) sector is booming, as firms struggle to control and secure a growing variety of smartphones and tablets. This will lead to a wave of M&A, as enterprise software companies strengthen their hand in this space, and some of the multitude of small providers consolidate.
Symantec acquired Nukona a couple of weeks ago, and now Sophos is buying MDM specialist Dialogs in order to offer a unified threat management platform. It has an existing partnership with Germany-based Dialogs, whose smartMan MDM product powers Sophos' Mobile Control system.
Now Sophos aims to make more extensive use of smartMan, which supports devices running iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile/WP7 and Symbian. It will build the product into a comprehensive Unified Threat Management suite which will also include its own mobile security and encryption products. This will target corporate IT departments, whose managers are increasingly concerned by the security issues raised by BYOD, especially when open systems like Android are involved.
Although smartMan is the heart of the deal, Sophos said it would also continue to support Dialogs' other products, notably its mobile messaging and location-based services. Although it will provide continuity for their existing customer base, which is heavily German-oriented, it did not indicate whether it would develop these offerings further. Customers include BMW, Daimler, Siemens and ThyssenKrupp.
More M&A News
More SECURITY News
More HANDSET News
COMMENTS
BYOD: Market Analysis and Forecasts
An in-depth insight into the rise of BYOD policies within the enterprise and analysis of the impact the trend will have on IT departments,...
Voice Command, Control and Search on Mobile Phones: Market Analysis & Forecasts
This report provides a comprehensive insight into the growing importance of voice command, control and search on handsets, analysing...
Data Centre Network Equipment: Market Analysis and Forecasts
This report provides a global assessment of the data centre network equipment market. Besides assessing the key market trends, sub-markets...
HetNet Market Summary & Forecasts: Macro Cells, Small Cells & Wi-Fi Offload
Carriers are struggling to cope with the explosion of data traffic on their networks, and the additional deployment of LTE and legacy...
Over-the-Top Communications: Threats & Opportunities for Mobile Operators
This report examines the implications of widespread adoption of mobile over-the-top IP communications for mobile operators, handset...
Portable Gaming Consoles: Market Analysis and Forecasts
This report provides a global assessment of the PGC market. In addition to assessing the key market drivers, market barriers, vendor...
Satellite Phones: Will Dual Mode Help the Phoenix Rise from the Ashes?
Satellite phones have followed an arduous path since their much-hyped launch more than a decade ago. The hype was followed by an e...
