Microsoft acquires identity specialist Alacris

Microsoft yesterday announced the acquisition of Alacris, a global specialist in certificate management and identity assurance software products. The link enhances Microsoft’s strategy of delivering easily administered solutions in this area. Said Mike Nash, Corporate Vice President of the Security Technology Unit at Microsoft :

Customers have told us that smart cards are becoming an increasingly important part of their authentication and authorization strategy. Through this acquisition, we’re excited to gain technology that makes it easier for customers to take advantage of the smart card capabilities in Windows with tools to simplify smart card life-cycle management.