21 July 2005 Software titan Microsoft’s efforts to extend its portfolio continue apace, as it has revealed it is to buy security provider FrontBridge Technologies.

The deal is Microsoft’s second security acquisition this year, and will extend its capabilities in its email protection offering. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

FrontBridge provides a managed outsourcing service for both email and instant messaging. Its technology scans messages for spam and viruses before they reach the corporate firewall, as well as providing a subscription service giving customers backup and continuity services.

The acquisition compliments Microsoft’s effort to solve difficult messaging challenge, such as compliance, protection from spam and viruses and message availability, said Dave Thompson, corporate vice president of the Exchange Server Group at Microsoft. “We see FrontBridge’s services as a perfect complement to Exchange. The FrontBridge team brings significant expertise in helping customers mitigate messaging risks.”

Microsoft is attempting to bolster its security offerings to corporate customers, particularly within the managed software service domain, as it seeks new sources of revenues.

In February Microsoft acquired Sybari Software, an anti-virus, anti-spam and secure instant messaging software specialist. And last year it bought anti-spyware vendor Giant Company Software.

Security spending is one of a number of areas where Microsoft believes it can make significant inroads because of its dominance on the desktop.