Thursday, February 19, 2009

Novell deals deeper into IT security

By Galen Moore

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Novell Inc. reported a pair of deals in the IT security space. The Waltham-based open-source IT infrastructure provider has acquired the technology assets of Fortefi Ltd., a U.K.-based provider of IT security software, and has signed a permanent license to use the SecureLogin sign-on software made by California-based ActivIdentity Corp. (Nasdaq: ACTI).

Terms of the Fortefi acquisition were not disclosed. Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) said the deals will bolster the company’s ability to provide integrated identity, access and security management technology designed to help customers reduce risk and cut costs associated with security and regulation compliance.

The company aims to become a “category killer” in identity and security management, Novell senior vice president of identity and security Jim Ebzery said in a statement.

Novell’s recent acquisitions include Managed Objects Inc., a Virginia-based maker of data center software, in October, and PlateSpin Ltd., a Toronto-based maker of server virtualization software last February.

In December, Novell reported a net loss of $9 million for fiscal 2008, on revenue of $957 million.