Internet security company Symantec has acquired the South African enterprise security management division of IT services company, Foster-Melliar.
The deal will see Kevin Isaac being replaced by Patrick Evans, former Foster-Melliar CEO, as Symantec South Africa's country manager. Isaac has been appointed Middle East and Africa regional manager.
The deal will also see 13 Foster-Melliar employees transferred to Symantec.
Isaac says the deal is part of Symantec's drive to offer a "complete approach" of security services. He notes that since the purchase of Axent Technologies in December last year, the company has been actively looking at ways to develop comprehensive security services.
"For 10 years, Foster-Melliar was the sole distributor of products developed by Axent Technologies. It sold security solutions to seven of the country's 10 largest companies, so clearly it brings a good understanding of both enterprise security needs and our technology.
"Internet security is a core element of good business practice and South African businesses increasingly demand high quality professional advice and service to complement first-class technical solutions," says Isaac.
"The South African market is fast-growing and offers huge potential," says Paolo Ardemagni, VP of Symantec's southern region. "The acquisition of Foster-Melliar's enterprise security management division adds considerably to our professional consultancy service capability. In conjunction with our channel partners, we can now offer South African businesses a truly holistic security service encompassing the broadest range of technology solutions, services and research."
Isaac says Symantec had seen the acquisition as the best way to develop critical mass in the shortest possible time. "This deal fast-tracks the enablement of partner security competencies."
He adds that Symantec remains committed to its current channel strategy and partners.
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