Earlier today Sophos announced its plan to acquire Astaro, a world-leader in internet security appliances.
You can read the official announcement and FAQs for yourself, and learn more about Astaro and its products on the Astaro website.
It's an exciting time for Sophos, but rather than me bore you to tears about it, I thought I'd share some links where you can see what other people have to say about it.
Here's some of the coverage which has appeared since the deal was announced:
"Sophos buys security appliance firm Astaro", John Leyden, The Register.
"Will the acquisition of Astaro by Sophos add more credibility to UTM platforms?", Dan Raywood, SC Magazine.
"Sophos moves beyond the endpoint with Astaro buy", Alan Shimel, Ashimmy blog.
"Sophos buys into unified threat management with Astaro purchase", Phil Muncaster, V3.
"Sophos has acquired network specialist Astaro", The H.
"Sophos gobbles up UTM outfit Astaro", Doug Woodburn, CRN.
"Sophos to acquire Astaro in network security push", Andrew R Hickey, CRN.
"Sophos announces intention to acquire Astaro", Dan Raywood, SC Magazine.
"Sophos acquires internet security appliance maker Astaro", Robin Wauters, Techcrunch.
And some comments from the Twittersphere:
Firstly, security blogger Mike Rothman:
Here's our take on #Sophos / #Astaro. We like the deal. Sophos Wishes Upon A-star-o. http://bit.ly/ivGRxW—
Mike Rothman (@securityincite) May 06, 2011
IDC analyst Eric Domage:
Sophos acquires Astaro. Birth of a little Giant. Good news for Flag lovers + "IT Security made simple " lovers like me !—
(@ericdomage) May 06, 2011
and some other chaps:
#Sophos to Acquire #Astaro a great product in the making .... :)—
Gagandeep S Sapra (@TheBigGeek) May 06, 2011
@gcluley I wonder if the acquisition was less for the tools and customers and more for the "talent" (slang for @jack_daniel's beard).—
Steve Werby (@stevewerby) May 06, 2011
If you're not familiar with Jack Daniel, you should be. He's the community development manager at Astaro, and very active in the information security world.
Aside from co-founding and organising the Security B-Sides events, Jack also finds time to write his Uncommon Sense Security blog, contribute to the Astaro security blog, and grow a mighty fine beard.
We're delighted to have Jack and the rest of the talented staff at Astaro joining the Sophos family.
Oh, Jack Daniels. I read that as "Jack Daniels" and though about having a drink tonight to celebrate the deal. Sounds great to me!
when will sophos be traded on the stock exchange?
Congrats to the team at Sophos. Sometimes I don't care for the conservative edge to diction in Sophos' comments; but then I'm one of those who wishes there was at least one liberal media outlet left in America. However, I keep this site posting to my Facebook news feed, and I regularly post Sophos warnings for my friends on my page. Several friends have thanked me for posting Sophos warnings.
You're doing great work, Graham and all, and I thank you. Good luck with your expansion, and I hope transitioning the teams goes well.
Does this mean Sophos will expand to the consumer market as well?
My initial reaction was: "Who is going to sponsor HackerNews" now?"