Quest swoops up NetPro

Quest Software Inc. will acquire NetPro Computing Inc., a provider of tools that enhance the performance of Microsoft Enterprise software, in an all-cash transaction valued at $78.7 million.

The purchase of Phoenix-based NetPro will enable Quest to further extend its product portfolio as it relates to managing complex Microsoft infrastructures, Quest officials said today.

The companies' combined product offering will provide customers with solutions that will help them migrate, manage and secure Microsoft Active Directory, Exchange, SharePoint and SQL Server environments, they said.

Customers want products that help them get better performance and productivity from their Windows infrastructure, said Vinny Smith, Quest's chairman and chief executive officer. "Our acquisition of NetPro ? will allow us to deliver solutions our customers need to feel confident in the reliability, availability and security of their Microsoft Systems."

Quest officials said they plan to retain key members of NetPro's management team in the wake of the acquisition. Quest plans to unveil a technology road map outlining modifications to its sales strategy in mid-October.

Quest, of Aliso Viejo, Calif., provides software that helps customers get better performance and productivity from key components of their information technology systems.