Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOG) acquired Divide, a startup company that provides simple, secure and standardized solutions for enterprises to manage the mobile devices of their employees frequently used in the workplace without compromising their personal freedom and privacy.
Divide was formerly known as Enterproid was established by former mobile IT executives at Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) who led the mobile application and development of the bank. The founders of the startup are dedicated in promoting a balance between the privacy of users and security for information technology.
Divide’s co-founders include its CEO Andew Toy, COO Alexander Trewby and CTO David Zhu.
The startup announced the acquisition in a blog post on its website. The Divide team wrote, “We’re thrilled to announce that Divide is joining Google! Divide was founded with a simple mission: Give people the best mobile experience at work. As part of the Android team, we’re excited to continue developing solutions that our users love.” Divide did not disclose the terms of the acquisition.
According to Divide, it will continue its services to its existing consumers. Divide is available on iOS and Android operating system as free app or with an enterprise subscription. It offers encrypted workspace storage on the devices of employees that keeps business apps and data separate and secure from their personal stuff.
Technology observers opined that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) demonstrated that it is further stepping into the mobile enterprises space by acquiring Divide. The search engine giant’s Android mobile operating system powers more than 1 billion smartphones worldwide.
Divide raised a total of $25 million funding from its investors including the $12 million from its latest Series B funding led by Google Ventures, the investment arm of Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL). Its other investors include Comcast Ventures, High Peaks Venture Partners, Qualcomm Ventures, NYC Seed, Bold Start and Gen Cast Ventures.
Separately, the search engine giant is in early discussions to purchase Twitch, a video streaming service provider in an effort to further improve its YouTube video service. Twitch is becoming increasingly popular as a favorite internet destination for viewing and broadcasting video games, It was launched in 2011. Reports indicated that Twitch is not yet interested in selling itself, instead it wants to raise additional funds.
