Apple has bought mobile security firm AuthenTec for USD356 million in a potential boost to its activities in the business market, following news that iOS devices account for some 70% of enterprise activations. AuthenTec offers fingerprint recognition, among other services, suggesting that Apple could integrate such technology into its own devices in future. The firm also produces biometric chips for PCs and mobile devices, the ability for users to manage their digital identities, and device security software. The firm went public in 2007, raising USD600 million.
The Florida-based firm has just signed a deal with Apple's leading manufacturing rival, Samsung, and it is not clear whether the deal still stands, or whether Apple will take the opportunity to cut its competitor off from AuthenTec's technology.
