Bivio Networks acquires Italian data security firm

Bivio Networks, a provider of networking systems applications and services, has acquired FlowInspect SpA, a developer of deep packet inspection (DPI) data security applications based in Milan, Italy.

Financial terms were not announced.

As a result of the deal, company officials said, Bivio acquires a new set of products for the deployment of rich DPI-enabled applications, services and solutions for its customers, including the Defense Information Systems Agency and other government agencies and service providers.

DPI provides advanced information technology security functions, including Internet data mining. DPI-enabled applications examine data packets, searching for noncompliance with protocols and for viruses, spam and other intrusions. The technology determines whether a packet should be allowed to pass, routed to a different destination or used for the collection of statistical information.

“FlowInspect’s innovative DPI classification technologies, applications and service creation platform further Bivio’s strategy to be the leading provider of deep packet processing solutions critical for current and future networks,” said Elan Amir, president and chief executive officer of Bivio Networks, in a statement released today.

FlowInspect’s products combine protocol identification and classification technologies with a wide range of DPI applications, including content filtering, data retention, service protection, interception, and traffic and subscriber management services, Bivio officials said.

Bivio Networks, of Pleasanton, Calif., will use FlowInspect’s DPI classification and packet-processing technologies and expertise to address key service provider and public-sector networking requirements, including network awareness, control and monetization, the officials said.

FlowInspect’s customers include service providers, national network operators, and government agencies throughout Europe and the Middle East.