Allot Communications Ltd. (NASDAQ:ALLT), Hod-Hasharon, Israel, a
leader in IP service optimization solutions based on deep packet
inspection (DPI), has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the
business of Esphion Limited, a developer of network protection solutions
for carriers and internet service providers. Allot believes that the
acquisition furthers its vision of offering value-added services on its
new Service Gateway platform to help broadband providers build secure,
intelligent networks.
Allot plans to integrate Esphion's products and technology
into its entire product portfolio, including the recently announced
Allot Service Gateway, the industry's first open, standards-based
platform for broadband service control and optimization capable of
supporting more than 20 Gigabits per second (Gbps) of traffic.
Network and subscriber security is a primary concern for broadband
operators, which deliver high-quality, always-available access services
to their subscribers. Esphion's granular network and subscriber
behavior analysis (NBA) technology provides an accurate way to detect
the root cause for security attacks over 10Gbps communication links.
The integrated, self-contained, solution will allow service
providers to extend Allot's traditional DPI capabilities and
policy-based Quality of Service enforcement with mitigation of security
threats. This includes isolation and remedy of infected subscribers
(known as botnets, generating spam traffic and other attacks) and
Distributed Denial of Service (DDos) attack prevention. The result is a
highly competitive security solution for the service provider market in
terms of performance, efficiency, ease of implementation and accuracy.
"Carriers and ISPs see increasing value in having a
purpose-built device managing their application and subscriber
visibility, management and control," said Mark Bieberich, vice
president, Communications Infrastructure Research at Yankee Group.
"The integration of Esphion security threat detection technology
into Allot's Service Gateway is a clear example of a solution
engineered to meet this growing market need."
Under the terms of the agreement, Allot will acquire all material
assets of Esphion for $3.5 million in cash plus up to an additional $2
million of performance-based consideration if certain targets are met
during 2008. Esphion's employees, who are based in New Zealand,
will become part of Allot's global operation. Allot anticipates
that on a non-GAAP basis, the acquisition will be around $0.02 dilutive
to earnings per share from continuing operations in the first quarter
following the closing of the transaction, and will become accretive to
earnings per share within one year of closing. Allot expects that on a
GAAP basis earnings per share from continuing operations will be more
dilutive, primarily due to purchase price accounting associated with the
acquisition. The exact impact of this will not be known until after
Allot completes allocation of the purchase price pursuant to such
accounting. The acquisition is subject to various closing conditions and
is expected to close within 7 days.
"The strategy behind our Service Gateway is to build upon
Allot's best-of- breed DPI technology and integrate value-added
services onto the platform through acquisition, OEM and
partnerships," said Rami Hadar, Allot's CEO and president.
"This solution will enable our customers to offer new revenue-
generating services, combined with network analysis and network control
capabilities, in one, integrated, DPI-based application and
subscriber-aware solution. We chose Esphion based on their behavior
analysis technology, ability to scale to 10Gbps, and positive reports we
received from their top tier customer list."
"Esphion has developed unique technology to detect network and
subscriber behavioral security problems," said Mark Edwards, CEO of
Esphion Ltd. "Our products have already been successfully deployed
at, and are being used by, several major carriers and ISPs throughout
Asia-Pacific. Combined with Allot's DPI platform and world-wide
sales organization, we intend to open up new market opportunities for
our leading-edge solution."
About Allot Communications
Allot Communications Ltd. (NASDAQ:ALLT) is a leading provider of
intelligent IP service optimization solutions. Designed for carriers,
service providers and enterprises, Allot solutions apply deep packet
inspection (DPI) technology to transform broadband pipes into smart
networks. This creates the visibility and control vital to manage
applications, services and subscribers, guarantee quality of service
(QoS), contain operating costs and maximize revenue. Allot believes in
listening to customers and provides them access to its global network of
visionaries, innovators and support engineers.
For more information, visit http://www.allot.com or call
617/897-8200.
About Esphion
Esphion is a leading provider of network Anomaly Detection Systems
(ADS). Deployed by large Service Providers in Asia Pacific, such as
PCCW, True Internet and Telecom New Zealand, ADS is the most robust
technology available to combat previously unseen and unknown threats to
critical network infrastructure, such as DDoS, Zero-Day Worms and
SPAMbots. Esphion ADS detects threats to critical networks and creates
mitigation strategies for immediate deployment --before the network is
impacted.
For more information, visit http://www.esphion.com.
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