Verizon has acquired a key set of security tools from existing partner Vidder, a move that ensures the operator's control over the ongoing development of the technology that underpins its Software Defined Perimeter (SDP) service, which was announced last year. (See Verizon Buys Vidder's Software Defined Perimeter Tech.)

In a deal announced late last week, Verizon said that it had paid an undisclosed sum for Vidder's "PrecisionAccess solution and other Software Defined Perimeter (SDP) related assets." Those assets are at the heart of the managed service announced last September that offers application-level security: The operator's pitch is that pre-authenticated, context-aware access improves enterprise security, especially as application infrastructure and users become more distributed. (See Verizon & Vidder Put SD-Perimeter Around Enterprise Security.)

"This acquisition enables us to further build out our software-defined suite of services, creating a unified networking and security solution which we believe is best-in-class when it comes to protecting organizations against cyberattacks," said Victoria Lonker, VP of network and security product management at Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), in the official announcement about the acquisition.

Verizon has not acquired Vidder outright, but the security tech specialist's website now redirects to a page on Verizon's enterprise services site.

— Ray Le Maistre, Editor-in-Chief, Light Reading