Juniper Networks has announced its plans to acquire SMobile, for $70 million in cash. No word on when the deal is to be finalized.

The securities company will utilize SMobile’s software for its Juno Pulse product, extending more client services around tablets and smartphones. Juno Pulse’s software offers connectivity, security and acceleration for smartphones, tablets, Netbooks, notebooks.

As more devices become connected across wireless networks, the need for security also rises. We’ve seen some high profile instances of this already; Apple’s iPad was discovered to have several vulnerabilities early on, while Android’s free-for-all apps Market makes it easy to download malware.
Juniper Networks is increasing options around mobile securities to face this demand, saying,

“The combination of Junos Pulse and SMobile will deliver a secure mobile Internet experience for both consumer and business users on any mobile smart device. This will help address emerging security threats as smart devices become an essential tool to exchange data and access networks and the potentially sensitive information on them.”

Cisco would agree that the need for mobile securities is rising. The company released a report this week, showing the lag between security threats and IT response/capabilities. The active development of mobile-specific security tools from companies like Norton also speak to this growing demand.

Juniper Networks is taking that demand as an opportunity strengthen its forces against Cisco; the SMobile acquisition is one of many steps towards expansion of its portfolio. The company’s first quarter earnings exceeded expectations, but saw a dismal outlook moving forward. To this end, Juniper Networks has already indicated plans towards growing its Partner Community.

See here for a noteworthy article on tablet securities and hot spots.