Vendor makes buy to bring systems together

Novell has acquired US security software vendor e-Security for $72m to enable it to develop software for a single view of security and compliance activities across an entire enterprise.

Novell claimed that the acquisition would bring together its identity and systems management expertise with e-Security's real-time event monitoring, response and reporting capabilities.

Jack Messman, chief executive of Novell, said: "Novell's acquisition of e-Security demonstrates our commitment to this growing market, leveraging a core element of our business to deliver robust security and compliance solutions that meet our customers' needs in an increasingly regulated business environment."

Novell claimed that end-users will benefit from the ability to streamline processes, cut costs through automation and build more rigorous, predictable security and compliance monitoring programs.

Reed Harrison, chief technology officer at e-Security, said: "As a member of the Novell family, we can now help redefine how customers think about security and compliance."

Chris Christiansen, vice president of security products and services at IDC, said: "With the acquisition of e-Security, Novell is the only vendor with the potential to proactively address business needs for a real-time, comprehensive compliance solution that integrates people, systems and processes."