Aruba Networks Announces Intent to Acquire Avenda Systems

The VAR Guy thinks mobile device management is shaping up to be the trend of 2011 and likely the dominant force in 2012. Confirming that suspicion is Aruba Networks’ intention to acquire Avenda Systems. The reason? Aruba Networks wants to bolster its bring-your-own-device (BYOD) solution for businesses. Details follow …

Aruba Networks wants to pick up Avenda System’s technological prowess, which allows users to “securely connect … their personal mobile devices to business networks.” The company’s plan is to integrate that MDM technology and enhance its existing MOVE mobile management system. MOVE, or “mobile virtual enterprise,” is Aruba Networks’ growing system for handling the influx of tablets and mobile devices. Currently MOVE only provides a piece of the MDM puzzle — it can identify the user, device and application and then push out a security policy. But the addition of Avenda’s technology will …

The idea is to build a solid foundation for mobile devices and cloud computing connectivity inside the data center. Essentially an end-to-end solution, (which sounds similar to Wyse). Added bonus? This technology works with Mac OS X and Windows as well.

When can partners expect to get their hands on that enhanced portfolio? The VAR Guy is sorry to say you’ll have to at least wait until the end of January 2012 when the deal closes.