DigiCert, a Salt Lake City-based digital trust provider, has announced its intention to acquire Vercara, an enterprise DNS service provider based in Washington, D.C. This strategic move aims to simplify DNS management and automate certificate issuance for large enterprises while reducing operational costs and security risks. CEO Amit Sinha emphasized the need for automation in today’s multi-cloud environment, asserting that relying solely on cloud providers for DNS services could limit flexibility. By partnering with Vercara, DigiCert intends to offer a neutral platform for SSL and DNS services, which is particularly beneficial for organizations with hybrid cloud infrastructures.
Vercara, founded in 1996, has maintained a strong reputation in the DNS market without external funding and has been led by Colin Doherty, the former CEO of Arbor Networks. The company manages approximately 20% of global DNS requests, serving notable customers in various sectors, including major hyperscalers and Fortune 500 companies. This acquisition aligns with DigiCert’s past experience in the DNS space, particularly following its acquisition of DNS Made Easy in June 2022. By merging the two companies, DigiCert hopes to create a powerful synergy that enhances digital trust through integrated DNS and SSL services.
The integration of DNS and SSL on a unified platform is expected to streamline processes such as domain control validation and automated certificate issuance. This will not only mitigate potential outages but also bolster security measures, as infrastructure and security teams can manage both services from a single provider. Sinha highlighted the advantage of having a cohesive solution for certificate management, asserting that it simplifies the responsibilities of large organizations managing thousands of certificates. As part of the acquisition strategy, DigiCert will initially focus on integrating general administrative functions before delving into product and sales alignment.
Looking ahead, DigiCert plans to explore the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance various product features, including DDoS protection and API security. By analyzing DNS request data using AI, the company aims to identify patterns that can aid in detecting threats like botnets and phishing attempts. Sinha stated that while the initial focus will be on DNS and SSL management, the long-term vision includes developing a unified stack that incorporates additional services such as web application firewalls and CDN capabilities. The success of this acquisition will be measured by annual recurring revenue growth and profit margins, reinforcing the importance of DNS and SSL as critical components of digital trust.
Reference:
