BT has acquired Counterpane Internet Security, a provider of managed networked security services, as part of its strategy to expand and develop its global professional services capabilities.
Counterpane currently monitors 550 networks worldwide for multinational and Fortune 100 customers. Following the acquisition, Bruce Schneier, the founder of the company, will continue in his role as CTO and Paul Stich will remain its CEO.
BT says that this acquisition will allow it to benefit from a unique set of security management technologies and give its global customers a more proactive managed security service with enhanced auditing and reporting capabilities.
Andy Green, CEO BT Global Services, said: “Counterpane is a welcome addition to BT’s global professional services community. As more and more of our customers seek to exploit the opportunities of globalisation, we are finding that increasingly business critical applications are dependent upon the resilience and security of their infrastructure.”
Stich said: “This is an excellent opportunity for Counterpane’s customers and employees. It is great to see that BT is listening to its customers and acquiring the skills and capabilities in order to fully service their requirements. Together BT and Counterpane can deliver the holistic approach needed to face today’s security threats, encompassing people, processes and technology.”
In mid September, BT set out its global vision, with Green saying: “BT’s corporate business is an increasingly important part of the company’s growth strategy. Our diversification into global networked IT services sets BT apart from other telcos.” (see BT Sets Out Global Vision).
According to rumours, BT could also be looking to acquire internet service provider Pipex.
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