Security management usually involves a central console from which a company can monitor routers, firewalls, email servers, intrusion detection systems and other key targets of malware and attackers, and get alerts when there's a possible security breach. Vendors developing these consoles see them as an entry point for selling a host of security products that could all be monitored and managed from the same interface.
"It's a race to get all these pieces stitched together with a management console that reduces the complexity of security," Firstbrook said.
Network Associates's Samenuk said the company may use its nearly $1 billion in cash to buy additional security products. "We are still looking for acquisitions that would bolster our security business and fill in some holes," he said.
The restructuring follows Network Associates's restatement last year of financial statements from 1998 to 2000 to "properly recognize revenue on sales to distributors and resellers on the sell through basis," which is how the company has reported sales since Jan. 1, 2000. The company expects first quarter net revenue to be $217 million, with pro forma net earnings of 10 cents per share and GAAP net earnings of 32 cents per share.
The company's name change will occur after it completes the sale of Sniffer later this year. The new McAfee will consist of the enterprise anti-virus and intrusion prevention security businesses, the McAfee Labs research organization and the consumer security business.
