Network-equipment vendors take a security-first focus through acquisitions and partnerships

International network-equipment vendors are seeking cooperation with network-security providers through acquisitions or establishing strategic alliances. Cisco acquired a total of 13 companies in 2004, of which five were network-security solutions providers. A June 7 press release also stated that the vendor is cooperating with Trend Micro, Symantec and Network Associates for the Cisco Self-Defending Network security strategy.

The acquisition of NetScreen Technologies has vaulted router vendor Juniper Networks into the network-security sector, while, 3Com has announced it would acquire TippingPoint Technologies, a network-based Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) provider, on December 13.

Nortel Networks has chosen to team up with Microsoft to support Microsoft’s Network Access Protection (NAP), following the formation of a strategic relationship with Symantec.

Source: compiled by DigiTimes, January 2005.

Article translated by Jessie Shen and edited by John McClure