Dr Solomon's buys Mac anti-virus, network tools

The UK anti-virus and security software vendor has bought Datawatch Corporation's Virex Mac anti-virus software and netOctopus network administration package for $16.75 million.

"Our worldwide success in the anti-virus software market mainly focuses on PC platforms; now as part of the broadening of our product line we are strengthening our offerings in the Macintosh market," said Mike Hill, director of product marketing at Dr Solomon's.

"This acquisition is the right strategic opportunity for us, allowing us to support and grow an established customer base with additional, well-respected technology sold under a valued brand name. Since the majority of Virex customers are in the US this clearly enables us to strengthen our presence there, as well as add to our Macintosh product offering elsewhere."

As well as selling the products through their existing channels and the Dr Solomon's channels, technology from netOctopus will be used to boost the Management Edition of Dr Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit and Dr Solomon's auditing products.