Access Data Working to Gain Control Guidance Software
Two of the biggest names in the computer forensic software world are at odds over control - not just of the market, but of each other.
Early in October of this year Access Data, maker of the popular Forensic Toolkit (FTK), made an attempt to buy out Guidance Software, maker of the widely used EnCase. Privately-held Access Data's offer was rebuffed by Guidance, a public company. Access has now stated its intention to put members on Guidance's Board and take the offer direct to shareholders.
Both companies provide software suites used by both civilian and law enforcement computer forensic specialists. EnCase reportedly has 90% of the law enforcement market for such software. This author has used products from both companies for many years himself.
From this blogger's perspective, the takeover does not necessarily bode well for the future development of computer forensics software. When one of the two leading companies (Access is #2 in the market) buys its major competition (Guidance is #1), it may be that only one of the two somewhat dissimilar programs may survive. Or it may be that the next few versions of the surviving software will be clumsily kludged together resulting in a generation or two of unreliable software.
What do you think? Click on the Add Comment link below.
You can read more at the Reuters article AccessData may seek place on Guidance Software board but before you do, please share your thoughts on the possible acquisition and its implications.
Another reason to stick with X-Ways Forensics...
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Gordon, I'm a happy X-Ways user myself!
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thanks
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You're welcome
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Wow, I never knew that Access Data Working. That's pretty interesting…
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That's great, I never thought about Access Data Working like that before.
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I also don't think that the takeover is a good thing. After all ...a harsh competition leads to competitors improving their products/services.
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Thanks for the comment and sorry about the late reply. I agree with you: in general, competition (doesn't have to be harsh) is more likely to lead to better products than a monopoly or a near monopoly. As probably the two most widely used products in the market, putting them both under one banner might lead to slower upgrades, less responsive companies, and even higher prices. But competition (especially harsh competition) doesn't always lead to better products or better prices. Witness the still sky-high prices for these two products along with the yearly fees for having them.
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p.s. Even though it might not be bad for the market for software in our profession, I do still think it would be better if these two would not merge...
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Very true! This is a very useful for me. Thanks! Computer forensic software is the best!
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I was just thinking about Access Data Working to Gain Control Guidance Software and you have really helped out. Thanks!
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Always happy when I can make a contribution!
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That's great, I never thought about Access Data Working to Gain Control Guidance Software like that before.
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Hmmm. Pragmatic comment. Perhaps you'll link us over there as well.
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It's good software. as we are in a very advanced generation so we should use new technology and application for each and every thing.
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Do you mind if I refered your weblog post on my twitter account?
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