Microsoft Buys Data Privacy and Security Firm BlueTalon

In the US, Microsoft has acquired data privacy and security specialist BlueTalon for an undisclosed sum.

BlueTalon provides privacy and governance services for big data and other initiatives, aiming to improve understanding of how to collect, manage and protect data. The firm's Audit Engine offers an audit trail for regulatory compliance and data security, and the company also helps clients produce policies on employee access to data.

The company will now join Microsoft's Azure Data platform. Rohan Kumar (pictured) - Corporate Vice President, Azure Data, comments: 'Data privacy is one of the defining issues of our time, as evidenced by the introduction and evolution of privacy laws across the globe. Together with BlueTalon, we are committed to help enterprises become data-driven companies in a secure and compliant manner. We're excited to welcome the BlueTalon team to Microsoft and can't wait to get started'.

Web sites: www.microsoft.com and www.bluetalon.com .