Akamai Technologies Preps for 5G Security with Asavie Acquisition

Akamai Technologies is expanding its ability to protect enterprise mobile and cellular devices with its acquisition of Dublin-based Asavie.

Asavie’s platform manages the security, performance and access policies for mobile and internet-connected devices. Therefore, its mobile, IoT and security offerings will become part of Akamai Technologies’ security and personalization services product line. Carrier partners embed the solution within the technology bundle sold to their subscribers.

Akamai Technologies didn’t say how much it paid for Asavie.

Jon Morgan is Akamai Technologies’ vice president of product management and operations.

Strategic Decision

“Akamai made this strategic decision because of Asavie’s unique technology, its ability to sell through large carriers, its people’s in-depth knowledge of the market, dedication to the customer experience, and overall passion and drive,” he said.

Akamai Technologies’ Jon Morgan

Asavie’s offerings are a “natural fit” for Akamai Technologies’ carrier product line, Morgan said.

“Akamai and Asavie both sell into medium and large enterprises with mobile/cellular-specific carrier security offerings,” he said. “We share several carrier customers already. And Akamai has relationships with all of the major carriers around the globe, enabling our solution to be more rapidly adopted everywhere.”

Asavie advances Akamai Technologies’ strategy to secure access to services from the internet edge to the device, Morgan said.

“It is also another step in Akamai’s strategy to capture the coming 5G opportunity, providing secure mobile access and policy management for enterprise and midmarket customers,” he said. “Asavie’s talent and technology will play a key role in building Akamai’s 5G mobile edge together.”

Asavie and Akamai’s partners are complementary. Moreover, Akamai will continue to support Asavie’s channel partners.

Helping Carrier Partners

Tom Leighton is Akamai’s CEO. He said Asavie will help his company’s carrier partners address demand for IoT and mobile device security and management services.

COVID-19 will have a lasting impact on how employees work and how businesses operate, said Ralph Shaw, Asavie’s CEO. Therefore, network security needs will evolve in a 5G era where the office needs to go wherever employees happen to work.