Motorola grabs AirDefense

Motorola Inc. has acquired AirDefense Inc., a provider of wireless local-area network security products and services. Financial terms were not disclosed.

In general terms, the acquisition will enable the communications giant to enhance its network security offerings, Motorola officials said. As a result, Motorola will be able to offer customers a common platform for greater protection of WLAN networks, they said.

Atlanta-based AirDefense develops wireless intrusion prevention solutions and software applications that help secure networks against wireless security threats and comply with regulatory and industry standards. Customers can use the company's products regardless of their wireless LAN infrastructure because they are compatible with those of other vendors.

AirDefense has more than 800 government and commercial customers.

"This transaction is a tremendous opportunity for Motorola to enhance its WLAN portfolio by utilizing AirDefense's relationships and further integrating WIPS security solutions into our WLAN infrastructure offering," said Sujai Hajela, vice president and general manager of Motorola Enterprise's Wireless LAN division.

Motorola, of Schaumberg, Ill., ranks No. 61 on Washington Technology's 2008 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.