SAP buying security software, other assets from SECUDE

SAP is acquiring software and related assets from its partner SECUDE in order to provide improved security for its customer base, the company said Wednesday. The deal is expected to be completed by Feb. 1. Terms were not disclosed.

The deal will give SAP secure login and enterprise single sign-on capabilities, as well as related consulting and development resources, according to a statement. SECUDE, based in Switzerland, will remain an independent company and intends to concentrate on its FinallySecure data-protection product line, SAP said.

SAP is planning to give customers a basic version of the secure login product at no charge. IT environments “will be enhanced as a result of encrypted communication paths that are pre-configured after installation at customer sites, reducing TCO and administrative efforts for the customer,” it said in a statement.

Customers will receive the secure login capability in the second quarter, SAP said. The addition will help them battle threats from cybercriminals and hackers, according to SAP.

This is not the first identity management-related acquisition for SAP, as it purchased MaXware and Virsa Systems in recent years.

The SECUDE announcement comes shortly after SAP released a “significant” patch update for its Business Suite and NetWeaver software, although the two events don’t seem to be directly related.

Overall, the deal should provide SAP with an additional hedge against competing identity management technology, such as that sold by Oracle for SAP systems.

Chris Kanaracus covers enterprise software and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Chris’s e-mail address is Chris_Kanaracus@idg.com