Netgear Bolsters Enterprise Strategy with Strategic SASE Buy

Key Points

• Netgear Acquires Exium: Netgear buys security vendor Exium to boost its enterprise-grade security offerings for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
• SASE Security for SMBs: The acquisition brings SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) capabilities to Netgear’s portfolio, enhancing security for distributed workforces and addressing the limitations of traditional perimeter-based security models, which is particularly important for Microsoft Azure and cloud-based infrastructure users who require secure remote access.
• Filling the Security Gap: The move aims to provide SMBs with simplified, cost-effective, and enterprise-grade security solutions, integrated with Netgear’s existing networking products, which often work in tandem with Windows Server environments to ensure seamless security policies across all devices and locations, including those leveraging Microsoft‘s ecosystem.

Netgear Enhances Enterprise Security for SMBs with Exium Acquisition

In a strategic move to cater to the growing security needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs), Netgear has acquired Exium, a privately-held security vendor. Founded in 2019, Exium specializes in SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) capabilities that extend beyond traditional secure web gateway (SWG) functionality. This acquisition is particularly relevant for businesses using Microsoft Azure, as SASE integrates well with cloud infrastructure to secure remote workforces. Financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.

The Evolution from SWG to SASE

Traditional SMB security has relied on on-premises firewalls and SWGs, which filter web traffic at the network perimeter. However, the rise of distributed workforces has exposed the shortcomings of these perimeter-based security models. For companies utilizing Windows Server or Microsoft’s cloud services, adopting SASE can ensure consistent security policies across all user locations and devices, a critical factor as remote work continues to grow. SASE represents a fundamental shift, converging networking and security functions in the cloud. This cloud-native approach eliminates the need for backhauling remote traffic through corporate data centers for security inspection, a benefit that Azure users can particularly appreciate due to its streamlined integration with cloud services.

Addressing the SME Security Gap

The acquisition addresses a portfolio gap identified through Netgear’s customer feedback. SMBs have expressed the need for more robust security capabilities, including URL filtering, basic firewalling, VPN access, zero trust for perimeter protection, and intrusion prevention/detection systems. This need is especially pronounced in hybrid environments that combine Windows Server with cloud platforms like Azure, where unified security management is crucial. Netgear’s target market, focusing on organizations with fewer than 500 employees and distributed enterprises (e.g., franchisees), requires enterprise-grade reliability and support without the complexity and cost associated with large enterprise deployments.

Technical Integration and Architecture

Exium’s cloud-native architecture and MSP-focused go-to-market strategy align with Netgear’s channel approach. Netgear plans to maintain Exium’s standalone security services while developing integrated network and security packages. The integration may also enhance support for Microsoft-centric networks, ensuring that security solutions are compatible with Windows Server and easily managed through MSP platforms. Branding decisions for the combined offering are pending. Exium’s solution offers targeted security for SMBs at a reasonable price point, as highlighted by Pramod Badjate, Netgear’s president and general manager of Netgear for Business.

Multi-Use Case Architecture and Future Plans

The acquisition also addresses unique security challenges in AV over IP networks, where Exium’s solutions can protect AV infrastructure from IT-side threats. This is beneficial for environments that integrate AV systems with Windows Server or Microsoft-based IT infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive security coverage. As AV networks converge with traditional IT infrastructure, Netgear’s enhanced security portfolio will cater to customers ranging from small offices to large educational institutions and multinational banks.

Bringinging Enterprise Functionality to SMB Networks

Netgear aims to bridge the gap between complex, pricey enterprise security solutions and inadequate piecemeal systems. By integrating Exium’s SASE capabilities, Netgear positions itself to offer right-sized, enterprise-grade security solutions for SMBs, focusing on simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. This strategy complements Microsoft‘s efforts to support SMBs with accessible, cloud-integrated technologies like Azure and Windows Server, ensuring that security keeps pace with innovation. As Badjate emphasized, "There is a need in between" the extremes of enterprise complexity and insufficient SMB security options. Netgear’s latest move signifies a significant step in addressing this need, particularly for businesses deeply invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, where seamless integration with Windows Server and Azure can strengthen overall network security.

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