Security vendor Symantec has signed a definitive agreement to acquire network based end-point security solutions provider Altiris for an estimated $830 million.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen Symantec’s position in the enterprise endpoint security space by enabling it to assist customers better manage and enforce security policies at the endpoint, identify and protect against threats, and repair assets.

Altiris designs solutions which are aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of tracking, supporting, and maintaining an organization’s corporate IT assets, including desktops, laptops, servers, and handheld devices.

Making the announcement, John W. Thompson, chairman and chief executive officer, Symantec said, "The most secure endpoint is a well-managed endpoint. The best protection must be complemented by the ability to remediate and address vulnerabilities that could be exploited. By combining the endpoint management solutions from Altiris with the security expertise from Symantec, we believe we can offer customers a more comprehensive solution to protect and manage the millions of connected devices that make up the fabric of today’s global IT infrastructure."

Though Symantec didn’t disclose the details about the integration of Altiris product line into its own, it said that there are great synergies between the two companies and by combining their respective software solutions, services, and channel distribution strengths they will be able to offer customers a 'total package' in endpoint management.