In brief Security firm McAfee today announced a deal to acquire vulnerability management company Foundstone for $86m cash. Foundstone's services and technology help customers to relate IT security risks to the operation of their businesses by correlating assets with vulnerabilities and current IT security threats. Foundstone competes with vendors such as TruSecure in the vulnerability assessment and management market, which IDC reckons will be worth $1.6 bn by 2008.

McAfee (formerly Network Associates) wants to combine Foundstone software and services business with its own intrusion prevention technology to produce more effective IT security defences. McAfee plans to deliver enhanced risk classification of prioritized assets, automated shielding and risk remediation using its own intrusion prevention technology, and automated policy enforcement and compliance technology from Foundstone. McAfee expects the transaction to close in the next 60 days, subject to various formalities. Assuming successful completion, Foundstone's professional services organisation will become part of McAfee's services team. ®

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