MessageLabs Acquires Leading Image Analysis Technology Provider Fortium ICA
LONDON, Aug 26, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- MessageLabs, a leading provider of integrated messaging and web security services to businesses worldwide, today announced that it has acquired Fortium ICA Limited, a leading provider of image composition analysis technology that enables businesses to enforce acceptable use policies of email. The acquisition strengthens MessageLabs position as a market leader in Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions for email, web and IM security, data loss prevention and archiving.Prior to the acquisition, Fortium ICA was a subsidiary of Fortium Technologies Limited, which will continue to operate its video copy control and fingerprint detection technologies as an independent company under the Fortium name. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Fortium ICA's image analysis technology, which is the most widely used in the industry, has been employed in MessageLabs Image Control service for several years augmenting MessageLabs own technologies and techniques in this area. The service prevents unwanted or offensive images from entering or leaving a corporate network and is fully integrated into MessageLabs portfolio of managed services centrally accessed through one client portal and policy engine.
The ICA technology is the latest addition to MessageLabs suite of integrated managed services centered around core technology that now boasts ten patents granted and nine pending, as well as many confidential anti-malware technology processes that MessageLabs will never make public.
"Recognizing the importance of image analysis technology, MessageLabs was an early investor in Fortium ICA, so we are delighted to now be able to bring this unique technology in house. We look forward to continuing to invest in and develop this best-of-breed technology for image analysis, together with our core intellectual property around messaging security," said Stephen Chandler, CFO of MessageLabs. "Our customers look to MessageLabs to help them protect and control their corporate email, web and IM usage. Controlling the distribution of inappropriate or confidential images is an important part of protecting a business from legal liability, damaged reputation and loss of intellectual property. Fortium ICA's image technology is the most advanced in the market today and we're excited to have their team and technology as part of MessageLabs."
Fortium ICA's current license agreements will be fully supported and maintained by Fortium ICA within MessageLabs with no disruption for customers. MessageLabs is committed to maintaining and building on the relationships Fortium ICA has with its customers and has entered into a three year service agreement with Fortium Technologies which will continue to provide support for ICA.
"After working closely with MessageLabs for many years on the development of our technology, we are confident that this move will benefit the technology itself as well as the OEM partners and all their users," said Mathew Gilliat-Smith, CEO of Fortium Technologies. "Our shared focus on innovation and customer service makes this a great fit and ICA becoming part of MessageLabs greatly extends the technology's global reach and visibility in the market."
To learn more about MessageLabs Image Control service and full suite of integrated messaging security services, please visit: www.messagelabs.com/products.
About MessageLabs
MessageLabs is a leading provider of integrated messaging and web security services, with over 18,000 clients ranging from small business to the Fortune 500 located in more than 86 countries. MessageLabs provides a range of managed security services to protect, control, encrypt and archive communications across Email, Web and Instant Messaging.
These services are delivered by MessageLabs globally distributed infrastructure and supported 24/7 by security experts. This provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for managing and reducing risk and providing certainty in the exchange of business information. For more information, please visit www.messagelabs.com.
About Fortium Technologies
Fortium Technologies is a leading provider of DVD copy control and image/video fingerprint detection software for the film, broadcast, social networking and forensic industries delivering innovative and reliable solutions against security threats for leading businesses worldwide. For more information, please visit www.fortiumtech.com.