Motorola to Acquire
AirDefense, a Leading Wireless LAN Security
Provider
July 28, 2008
Motorola, Inc. has signed a definitive
agreement to acquire privately held
AirDefense, a leading wireless LAN (WLAN)
security provider. Terms of the transaction
were not disclosed.
AirDefense is a privately-held developer of
Wireless Intrusion Prevention Solutions (WIPS)
and premium software applications, which
enable corporations to secure their networks
against wireless security threats and comply
with regulatory and industry standards.
AirDefense has been an innovator and a
leader in the industry since its inception
in 2001, including the introduction of the
first 24x7 Monitoring and Wireless Intrusion
Detection System, the first use of access
points as sensors and a host of add-on
modules that address customer specific
security problems and RF troubleshooting
needs. In addition, AirDefense enables
secure multi-vendor environments, which
allows organizations to benefit from
AirDefense's solutions regardless of their
WLAN infrastructure.
"As wireless security remains a leading
concern for enterprises, we are excited to
announce this transaction with AirDefense,
which enables Motorola to deliver a common
platform solution for greater indoor and
outdoor protection to wireless LAN networks
in support of our all-wireless enterprise
vision," said Kathy Paladino, president of
Motorola's Enterprise Mobility business. "AirDefense
is a renowned pioneer in wireless security
with strong intellectual capital. Based on
our trusted and valuable partnership through
the years, we are confident that the
combination of Motorola's WLAN
infrastructure and AirDefense's
best-of-breed features will further enhance
our network security offerings and better
secure our customers' networks."
"AirDefense complements Motorola's
Enterprise business and Motorola is the
ideal partner to help us take our wireless
LAN security products and services to the
next level," said Mike Potts, president and
chief executive officer of AirDefense, "We
look forward to working with Motorola's
talented professionals and utilizing the
strengths of a global industry leader to
achieve even greater success."
"WIPS solutions have gained significant
traction as Wireless LANs have become
pervasive in industries from the federal
government to financial services," said
Sujai Hajela, vice president and general
manager, Motorola Enterprise Wireless LAN
division. "Industry compliance requirements
such as Payment Card Industry Data Security
(PCI DSS) and heightened security awareness
have fueled the need for comprehensive
compliance, enforcement, forensics and
reporting, which is offered by AirDefense
solutions. This transaction is a tremendous
opportunity for Motorola to enhance its WLAN
portfolio by utilizing AirDefense's
relationships and further integrating WIPS
security solutions into our WLAN
infrastructure offering. Together, we are a
leader in helping businesses truly realize
the vision of a secure and reliable
all-wireless enterprise."
Upon completion of the transaction,
AirDefense will become a wholly owned
subsidiary of Motorola and will be
integrated into Motorola's Enterprise
Mobility business. Motorola intends to
maintain AirDefense's Alpharetta, Georgia
headquarters, which will be an integral
component of Motorola's WLAN operations. The
acquisition, which is subject to regulatory
and other customary conditions, is expected
to close in the next few months.