Microsoft to buy Network Associates?

Supposedly, a public announcement about the sale, be it pending or closed, could arrive as soon as July 1 - the date when Network Associates is planning to announce lay-offs, say sources. However, Network Associates refused to comment when CRN asked for details.

According to Network Associates' reseller partners in the US, quite a few of the company's field representatives have been spreading around resumes. Apparently partners were given July 1 as the date Network Associates will be laying off employees.

Microsoft is being rumoured as a possible buyer because the company has a desire to enter the security market properly, and compete with big name security folks such as Symantec, Computer Associates International and Trend Micro. Apparently Microsoft representatives have also refused to comment.

Additionally, as crn.com says, Microsoft may be the only willing buyer, since few companies with the potential to buy Network Associates would actually be interested. µ

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CRN article