Is Virtual Security Technology A Prime Target For Acquisition?

This week has been an interesting week in the virtual security blog world!  Simon Crosby of Citrix/XenSource stated in his podcast that he felt the virtualization vendors like VMWare and Citrix didn't have the competence to address the security challenges of virtualization and Chris Hoff blogged about it saying that the statement is a cop-out and that they should do more in securing their platforms. Alan Shimel also blogged on the topic and agreed with Hoff and I blogged about it agreeing with both Simon and Hoff. 

To restate my position on it; I think that Simon is correct in that virtualization vendors like VMWare and Citrix do not have the expertise today to address all of the security challenges.  I also agree with Hoff that they should address more of the security challenges.  So this leads me to my own opinion that some of the virtualization vendors will acquire security technologies to differentiate  themselves from others and acquire the expertise.  Many say that the virtualization market will become commoditized and  that security can help protect its value. 

Think about it.  Would you rather buy a Virtual Environment or a Secure Virtual Environment?!

So.. Onto the topic of this blog!  Is Virtual Security Technology A Prime Target For Acquisition?

I'd love your opinion so please comment!!

What triggered my blog on this topic was this rumor I heard today.  Some buzz started today that one of the virtual security startups just agreed behind closed doors to be acquired by one of the big guys.  But, who could it be?  Reflex Security, Catbird, Blue Lane, Altor Networks, VMSight, Embotics, etc.

I have an idea of who it could be but don't want to spread rumors that could be false.  The other question is whether or not there is an atmosphere of acquisition frenzy brewing in the virtualization market. 

Please comment on your thoughts - Just click the comments link bellow.

Comments

[Christofer Hoff]

Yes, of course. It's already happened with Determina and VMware and it will happen again because it needs to.

Security will continue to become a differentiator (or at least an equalizer) despite what Mr. Crosby says ;)

/Hoff

[Anonymous]

I heard the same rumor. I heard Blue Lane was being picked up by VMWare.