MSP Perimeter Acquires Rival Breakwater

Managed security provider Perimeter Internetworking announced the acquisition Feb. 22 of smaller rival Breakwater Security Associates, bringing a larger West Coast presence to the growing MSP.

The breakwater acquisition, Perimeter's seventh in two years, adds new expertise and brand awareness as well as a strong customer base in California and the Pacific Northwest, Perimeter said. Perimeter makes its home in Milford, Conn.; Breakwater is in Seattle.

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"The acquisition of Breakwater Security extends our national reach and provides us with a strong base of business to expand on along the West Coast," said Brad Miller, Perimeter's chief executive officer, in a prepared statement. "Breakwater is the leading security services provider in the Pacific Northwest, and we are thrilled to have inherited their strong brand identity and reputation."

Perimeter offers more than 50 managed security packages through VARs, either on-site, through customer premises equipment or via "Security in the Clouds," a hosted solution that allows customers to enjoy the service on a subscription basis without the full investment in infrastructure and hardware. The MSP delivers its services from three NOC (Network Operation Centers) and two redundant data centers to more than 1,600 customers.

Founded in 1996, Breakwater provides risk management solutions, including managed security, consulting, compliance and regulatory guidance. The company has more than 500 clients and multiple national offices.

Earlier this month, Perimeter acquired Red Cliff Solutions, an Internet security provider with strong market share among credit unions and in the compliance sector.

In December Cisco Systems named Perimeter one of its 20 Managed Security Service Provider Advanced Technology Providers working with the network vendor to deliver security and network service solutions, mainly through VARs. The status certifies certain resources requirements and standards such as access to a Cisco laboratory, a dedicated staff and minimum customer service scores.