AirDefense to Join Motorola as Wholly Owned Subsidiary

Privately-held wireless security solution provider AirDefense is set to become a subsidiary of Motorola within the next several months, the two companies announced.

AirDefense is known for its line of complete wireless security solutions that include mobile system protection as well as network survey and simulation tools. Motorola has been using AirDefense solutions as part of its own wireless security offerings over the past few years. AirDefense also partners with Atheros, Nortel, Trapeze, and Entrasys.

"[Wireless intrusion prevention systems] have gained significant traction as Wireless LANs have become pervasive in industries from the federal government to financial services," said Sujai Hajela, vice president and general manager in Motorola's Enterprise Wireless LAN division.

"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," she continued.

Two other notable wireless security firms, AirMagnet and AirTight Networks, remain privately owned and independently operated. Aruba Networks, another strong competitor in the wireless security arena, is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange (Symbol: ARUN).

Terms of the deal between Motorola and AirDefense have not yet been made public.