What is common to FMCG companies is now becoming popular with IT companies too. When Symantec acquired PC Tools, they did not merge it with the existing Norton line. Instead, they let it continue as a separate brand much like the multiple detergent brands within one FMCG.

Now Symantec is on the lookout for more such companies to acquire. The emphasis according to CEO, Enrique Salem, is on those companies working in the fields of security, software as a service, and more efficient disk-based backup. Symantec acquisitions include PowerQuest, ON Technology, Sygate, Altiris, Vontu, AppStream, SwapDrive and MessageLabs.

Enrique Salem is a positive example of how the employees of an acquisition target can grow to heights. He was with Peter Norton Computing when Symantec took it over, and later, he was President and CEO of Brightmail when it was taken over by Symantec. This time, he continued with Symantec as Group President - Worldwide Sales & Marketing, and then as Chief Operating Officer before taking over as CEO.

Salem has declared Virtualisation and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) to be the growth mantras for the industry. His formula for growth is through vendor partners. True to his word, the company launched a Deal Registration Program which gives partners access to services that they can attach to the deal.