Network Testing M&A: Ixia Buys BreakingPoint

BreakingPoint's specialty is network security testing: identifying security threats on the network and judging how vulnerable those networks are to potential attacks.

According to a statement from Ixia, BreakingPoint posted $33.5 million in revenue in 2011 and is expected to grow 40 percent this year. Like Ixia, the company has an extensive network of global solution provider partners, and serves enterprise, government and service provider customers as well as a number of network equipment vendors such as Cisco and Juniper.

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"As a leader in cybersecurity research, BreakingPoint has built a library of more than 34,000 attacks, exploits, malware and more," Dennis Cox, BreakingPoint's co-founder and CTO, said in a statement. "Joining forces with Ixia creates a powerful platform in security and application testing -- one with an extensive global sales reach into enterprises, service providers and government agencies."

"The use of disparate testing tools, threat intelligence and monitoring products allows dangerous security vulnerabilities that erode the security posture of businesses and government agencies. By leveraging BreakingPoint with Ixia's integrated portfolio of proven network test products, customers will have available to them an end-to-end solution to help ensure business continuity for enterprises and government organizations," added Vic Alston, Ixia president and CEO.

Ixia, which offers a full clip of converged IP and wireless networking testing products and services, earlier this year acquired network monitoring and visibility vendor Anue Systems. The company has made several acquisitions over the past few years, including last year's pickup of VeriWave.

Ixia Monday also updated its revenue guidance for its fiscal second quarter, projecting $87 million to $89 million in revenue for its core business -- higher than the previously projected $86 million to $89 million. Calabasas, Calif.-based Ixia reported $308.4 million in revenue for its fiscal 2011.

PUBLISHED JULY 2, 2012