GlobalScape, the Texas based developer of secure information exchange solutions, is expanding its mobile sharing capabilities by acquiring privately-held, Seattle-based mobile file sharing innovator Tappin.  Tappin, formerly known as HomePipe Networks, will bring technology for  anywhere, anytime, secure file- and data-sharing for GlobalScape. The acquired company was founded in year 2009, and allows users to instantly access and securely share all files stored on an office or home computer from any web browser and all popular mobile devices. These include the iPhone and iPad, Android and Windows phones.

With this deal, GlobalScape will offer a new service, known as TappIn by GlobalSCAPE.  Users will be able to access data directly from most operating systems and devices, eliminating the need for uploading, syncing, or paying for additional cloud storage.

 “Combining GlobalSCAPE’s leadership in secure information exchange with TappIn’s strength in secure digital content mobility allows us to deliver a powerful solution for consumers and businesses,” said GlobalSCAPE CEO Jim Morris.

“Through this acquisition, GlobalSCAPE continues to remove barriers between users and their content, stored in multiple locations, while maintaining privacy and security regardless of the device being used. There has been explosive growth in tablet and smartphone sales in recent years, and we expect this trend to continue, driving strong market demand for the TappIn solution.”

The entire acquisition deal incurred $9 million for GlobalScape, all paid all in cash. Besides, TappIn’s stockholders can receive an additional $8 million over the next three years if specific revenue and solution development targets are achieved.  There’s little restructuring for Tappin offices, all of its employees will remain in Seattle. T appIn executives Chris Hopen, Parvez Anandam, Doug Wheeler, and Andrew Tull will remain with GlobalSCAPE in senior leadership roles.

Mobile sharing has grown in tandem with personal cloud developments, as more networks are able to connect around centralized storage systems.  And there’s a few different industries getting involved in the space–cloud services have become a necessity as well as a selling poing.  For GlobalScape, the expansion of mobile sharing means a rapid extension of its core products, fitting with a world that’s already adopted a number of cloud tools, knowingly and otherwise.

Industry growth has been fruitful for other players like Dropbox and Box, both of which are developing ecosystems around their tools.  Access and multiple points of integration are key for industry evolution moving forward, and GlobalScape is well aware of the growing demand this market looks to address.  Box has become particularly aggressive in marketing its latest partners, from LG to HP.