By IT-Observer Staff
Thursday, 6 October 2005 14:58 EST

Check Point Software announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement with Sourcefire, the company develops Snort. The acquisition will allow Check Point to expand its portfolio and take advantage of the intrusion prevention and network awareness internet security areas.

The acquisition will allow Check Point to strength partnership with Sourcefire enterprise customers, expand its perimeter, local, Web and end-point security portfolio and gain access to Snort community with tens of thousand of users worldwide.

"We believe Sourcefire has world-class solutions for internal security through their Intrusion Sensor, Real-time Network Awareness (RNA), and Defense Center product lines. These align perfectly with Check Point's vision for internal security and are ideal complements to our InterSpect(TM) and Integrity(TM) solutions," said Gil Shwed, chairman and CEO of Check Point Software Technologies.

"Both companies share a deep commitment to customers, and this acquisition will enable us to deliver the industry's most comprehensive end-to-end Internet security to all types of customers -- from consumers to the largest enterprises."

Sourcefire, the maker of the much popular intrusion detection software Snort, has received significant technology recognition throughout 2005. Recently, the company was declared the best Intrusion Prevention solution among twelve vendors.

"Our shared passion for excellence and Check Point's commitment to Sourcefire's products, partners, customers and the Snort community were paramount in making this decision," said Wayne Jackson, CEO of Sourcefire.

"With our common vision for integrating network intelligence with network security, Check Point's substantial industry, channel, and financial strengths will allow us to accelerate our pace of innovation while reaching a global market of enthusiastic partners and customers."

Check Point will acquire privately held Sourcefire for a total consideration of approximately $225 million. The transaction consideration includes cash and assumption of the Sourcefire stock option plan.