Trend Micro to buy UK cloud storage provider

Security provider Trend Micro has announced it is to acquire Leeds-based cloud storage and data-sync company Humyo for an undisclosed sum.

Humyo, which has a secure datacentre in Manchester in an former Bank of England vault, offers data synchronisation and online back-up services for internet-enabled devices. One Humyo service allows customers to back-up PC files when offline, using an external hard-drive attached to the PC.

"Humyo's superior data synchronisation technology... is a clear differentiator that helps to ensure that users' files are always safe and secure as well as effortlessly organised," said Trend Micro's chief executive Eva Chen in its announcement on Friday.

Trend Micro is not looking to radically change any of Humyo's offerings, the Japan-based security company's solutions architect Rik Ferguson told ZDNet UK.

"We've no plans to change the Humyo portfolio, [but] we will incorporate Humyo functionality into our products and product lines," Ferguson said on Monday. He added that Trend Micro is in the process of reviewing how the technology can fit with its products.

Previous Trend Micro acquisitions — such as the buyouts of Third Brigade, Provilla and UK-based encryption firm Identum — have incorporated the products while changing the branding, he pointed out.

Ferguson said that he was not aware of any plans to shed Humyo staff. A spokesman for the Yorkshire company said it is not worried about job losses. "If anything we're expecting new team members," said the spokesman, who added that the Humyo team currenly had more than 25 staff.