There are not that many companies focused on SCADA security, and two of them combined this week when Verano acquired Plantdata.

Verano makes a SCADA SEM product, recent blog entry, and OEM’s other security products for resale under the Industrial Defender line.

Plantdata did a little of everything - SCADA and SCADA security consulting, training, and product development. Their PatriotSCADA field site firewall was just beginning some trial deployments.

The acquistion seems to make a lot of sense. Plantdata can get some deeper pockets for the development and launch of their products. Verano gets some additional consulting to help with their product architecture and other engagements. Verano also gets another SCADA security product to add to the Industrial Defender line. The press release promotes Verano now as a “one-stop shop”, and they certainly are in one of the best positions to make this case.

I think it makes more sense on the product side of the business than the consulting side since consulting rarely gets the independence and emphasis in a company that offers security products. Maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part because Plantdata was a credible competitor to Digital Bond for an engagement now and then.