McAfee shoots for the cloud with MX Logic buy

McAfee has further strengthened its security-as-a-service offerings

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 $140m (£84.5m) 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 $469m (£283m), an increase of 18 per cent year over year and five per cent from the previous quarter.

However, net income fell from $47.8m (£28.8m) in the second-quarter of 2008 to $28.7m (£17.3m) this quarter.