WatchGuard announced today it has snapped up Datablink in a move to enter the cloud security authentication market for small- to midsize companies and enterprises with remote workers.

Under the deal, WatchGuard will offer its customers and partners access to Datablink's authentication business as a cloud-based service. The service aims to provide strong authentication for accessing networks, remote networks, SaaS applications, and employee workstations.

"Adding another solution that’s complementary to our core security offerings is a tremendous business opportunity for our partners," says Prakash Panjwani, WatchGuard CEO. "Not only will they be able to broaden their own security portfolios with powerful authentication, but they will be able to offer it as a service, which reduces deployment, management, and support burdens."

WatchGuard plans to launch its new cloud-based authentication service next year. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Read more about the deal here.