GFI Software acquires Sunbelt Software

Today, it was announced that Sunbelt Software has been acquired by GFI Software. The new combined entity will provide a wide range of security and infrastructure software solutions, both on-premise and in the cloud.

First, let me say that we’re thrilled to be part of the GFI team. Throughout our discussions and interactions with GFI, we have been continually impressed with their dedication to quality, customer service and superior performance throughout the company. Both companies are similar in their attitudes and practices with regard to customer service, product quality, strategic vision, organizational styles and culture.

On the technology side, the acquisition allows us to expand into several areas, which we believe are essential for us to grow as a company and continue to provide leading-edge technologies to our customers. These areas include vulnerability assessment, patch management, data leakage prevention, hosted/cloud-based technologies, and solutions for MSPs.

We have already identified a number of synergies between the products, and are working with the GFI team on these areas. These include putting our VIPRE technology into various GFI products (such as GFI MAX and GFI MailSecurity); and integrating GFI's DLP technology and vulnerability/patch management into VIPRE Enterprise. More details will be forthcoming as we execute on the product roadmap.

In addition to the technology side, GFI provides additional resources in terms of capital, management expertise, systems and new markets that will continue to propel our products and our teams to the highest level of achievement possible.

For the time being, both companies are hard at work, integrating the various sales, marketing, finance, and technology teams. Our goal is to make the combination of the companies as seamless as possible to our customers and partners.

Our management team, including the product teams — Mark Patton (VP R&D), Eric Sites (CTO) and Bill Emerick (SVP Products and Services) — will continue with the new organization. I will be staying on as well, continuing to run the VIPRE business and other security offerings. Stu Sjouwerman, our co-founder, is retiring but will continue to be involved with our various publications (WServerNews, Win7News, and SecurityNews).

It’s an exciting day for us here at Sunbelt, and I believe sincerely that this acquisition was in the best interests of all parties — not only our shareholders and employees, but most importantly, our customers and partners.

Alex Eckelberry