McAfee shoots for the cloud with MX Logic buy

McAfee continued to cement its position at the forefront of the burgeoning security-as-a-service space with the acquisition of MX Logic in a US$140m (AU$167m) deal.

McAfee said that the purchase of MX Logic, which provides cloud-based email and web security, email archiving and continuity services, will give it the most comprehensive portfolio of cloud-based solutions in the industry.

The firm already boasts web content tool SiteAdvisor, internet reputation system TrustedSource and Artemis zero-day protection technology, as well as its Total Protection and Vulnerability Assessment security-as-a-service offerings.

"The acquisition of MX Logic will reinforce our position as a leader in security-as-a-service, and brings world-class email and web defence, including archiving and business continuity services, extending our proven expertise in providing cloud-based services to our customers," said Dave DeWalt, president and chief executive at McAfee.

"MX Logic aligns with the McAfee vision to lead security software-as-a-service by bringing industry-leading technologies and a strong partner ecosystem."

The announcement follows record second-quarter results for McAfee.

Revenue reached US$469m (AU$560m), an increase of 18 percent year over year and five per cent from the previous quarter.

However, net income fell from US$47.8m (AU$57m) in the second-quarter of 2008 to US$28.7m (AU$34m) this quarter.