Oracle acquires two security software companies

SAN FRANCISCO: Oracle Corp. said on Wednesday it acquired two privately held companies for an undisclosed sum that it said will bolster its offerings in the fast-growing security software market.

The deals are the latest for a company that has spent some $19 billion buying up rivals in the past two years as part of a strategy to lead consolidation of the business software industry as customers rein in new spending.

Oracle said the acquisition of Thor Technologies and OctetString will help it to compete against rivals such as Computer Associates International Inc., International Business Machines Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. in the market for identity management security software.

The software helps ensure that only authorized users have access to its systems and databases.

For example, Thor's software makes it easier for companies to remove access accounts of fired employees who could pose a security risk while OctetString's technology makes it easier to install such security systems, Oracle said.

Oracle's aggressive acquisition strategy is in marked contrast with that of market leader SAP of Germany which has elected to focus on winning new business rather than buying its competitors.

In addition, it bid $5.85 billion in September for Siebel Systems Inc. to gain a stronger foothold in the growing area of customer management software, which helps companies track and manage their sales forces.