Netgear is expanding its reach into the enterprise market with the acquisition of Exium, a security vendor that specializes in SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solutions. This move reflects a strategic shift for Netgear, traditionally known as a consumer networking hardware provider, as it aims to deliver robust security offerings tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Exium, founded in 2019, enhances Netgear’s capability by going beyond the standard secure web gateway (SWG), which primarily serves retail and small businesses. The company is focusing on addressing the comprehensive security needs that arise from a distributed workforce, emphasizing the importance of protecting employees whether they are working remotely or on-site.
Pramod Badjate, Netgear’s recent president and general manager, highlighted the unique opportunity for the company to cater to SMEs that demand the same reliability and support as larger enterprises. He noted that many small businesses are now recognizing their need for advanced security features as they navigate a hybrid working model.
The traditional security landscape for small businesses, heavily reliant on on-premises firewalls and SWG, is becoming inadequate amid evolving workplace structures. SASE fundamentally shifts this model, integrating networking and security functions in the cloud to ensure consistent protection, irrespective of user location.
Through the acquisition, Netgear is addressing a specific gap noted in customer feedback, emphasizing a need for enhanced security offerings. Their target demographic typically consists of organizations with fewer than 500 employees that require enterprise-class reliability while seeking simplified, manageable solutions. A customer survey indicated a strong willingness to invest in integrated security solutions that encompass capabilities such as URL filtering, basic firewalling, and intrusion prevention.
Exium’s cloud-native architecture aligns with Netgear’s commitment to support managed service providers (MSPs), further distinguishing its approach in the enterprise networking sector. Netgear intends to preserve Exium’s standalone security offerings while also exploring integrated solutions.
This acquisition also enables Netgear to cater to a range of networking scenarios, addressing security challenges unique to audiovisual (AV) networks. By merging AV infrastructure with traditional IT, Netgear aims to solidify its position as a leader in this sector.
To overcome historical barriers faced by SMEs in adopting enterprise-level security measures, such as cost and complexity, Netgear plans to offer streamlined services tailored to these organizations, thereby positioning itself competitively in the enterprise networking market.
