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Security solutions specialist Sophos announced that it has acquired Cyberoam Technologies, a provider of network security products, in a move that advances Sophos’ position in network security, a strategic growth area for the company and a major element of the company’s complete security strategy.
Cyberoam’s unified threat management (UTM) and firewall appliances, built on a similar Intel-based architecture as Sophos’ UTM solutions, deliver technologies that will complement and expand the Sophos network security portfolio.
Some of these technologies include the iView reporting engine, application control, user-based network policies, next-generation firewall capabilities and advanced threat protection.
“Sophos and Cyberoam create a winning combination at the right time, in the right product markets and in all the right geographies,” said Kris Hagerman, CEO of Sophos, said in a statement. “Cyberoam has built a strong reputation as an aggressive and nimble innovator in the network security market, and like Sophos, has a ‘channel-first’ approach and reputation for delivering top-notch service and support.”
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Ahmedabad, India, Cyberoam has more than 65,000 customers, more than 550 employees, and a channel focus with a network of 5,500 partners, with particular strength in India, the Middle East and Africa.
Combined, Sophos and Cyberoam will have more than 2,200 employees, with more than 600 focused on network security, including more than 350 in research and development.
“The acquisition expands and accelerates our network security roadmap to grow our presence in UTM, advanced threat protection, wireless and next generation firewall–some of the fastest growing markets in all of IT,” Hagerman continued. “This also continues our focus of providing exciting opportunities to grow our channel partners and customers.”
According a July 2013 report by IT research firm IDC, the network security market reached $7.9 billion in 2012, with UTM comprising $2.7 billion of the market and cited as the fastest growing segment at 21 percent growth. In the recent Gartner Magic Quadrant for UTM, Sophos was again named a leader and Cyberoam a visionary.
“Together Sophos and Cyberoam form a powerhouse in network security. We are growing our network security businesses substantially faster than the market, and joining forces allows us to drive even greater innovation and value,” Hemal Patel, CEO of Cyberoam, said in a statement. “Our global footprint, commitment to the channel and complete security portfolio are clear competitive differentiators. We’re pleased to join the Sophos team.”