Google Steps into Security Arena

Google has agreed to buy web-based security provider Postini for $US625 million ($727 million), expanding its package of online applications to compete with Microsoft Office. Privately held Postini provides security and encryption services, protecting instant messaging, email and other communications, to more than 35,000 businesses and 10 million users worldwide. The deal will help Google provide larger organisations with more web-based services similar to its Google Apps package, which includes its email service Gmail, word processor, spreadsheet and business presentation software