Mossa and Trend Micro IT and OT capabilities combined
Meeting the need for enhanced security by integrating IT and OT

Moxa announced on the 6th that it will establish a joint venture with Trend Micro.
The two companies have established a joint venture called TXOne Networks to address the security needs arising in IIoT environments such as smart manufacturing, smart cities, and smart energy.

In industrial environments, information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) operate as independent networks, run by different teams, with separate goals and requirements.

The various machines and equipment that make up production facilities are not originally designed to be connected to the company's IT network, so security updates and patches are often difficult to implement. Keeping these devices secure requires clear security assignments and a comprehensive view of the enterprise's broad attack surface.

Trend Micro, a majority shareholder of TXOne Networks, recognized the challenges faced by IIoT stakeholders early on and has been working to address security requirements across the entire ecosystem, from the data center to the device.

Mossa also has over 30 years of expertise and experience in industrial networking and protocols. TXOne Networks combines these two companies' strengths to meet the growing security demands of industrial environments, such as smart factories.

Smart factories require a unified solution that provides deep insights into devices and protocols. These complex environments are multilayered, requiring high levels of security between IT and OT. Previously, the security responsibilities of these interconnected layers were not clearly defined.

“We are excited about this joint venture and are committed to a focused and diversified approach to growth,” said Eva Chen, CEO of Trend Micro. “This joint venture with Moxa will enable us to meet the growing security needs of today’s enterprise.”

TXOne Networks will provide solutions including security gateways, endpoint agents, and network segmentation for operational technology, device security, control, and visibility. Unlike other solutions that focus on protecting assets close to the IT layer, we have expertise close to the OT layer and will provide a proactive, easy-to-implement, and fast-to-implement solution to protect industrial control systems (ICS).

In addition to investing in intellectual property, capital, and specialized personnel, the two parent companies will leverage complementary distribution networks. Combining Trend Micro's IT channel partner strengths with Moxa's OT channel partner strengths will strengthen the business model and solidify the company's position in target markets.

TXOne Networks will be led by Dr. Terence Liu, Vice President of Trend Micro and former CEO of Broadweb. Dr. Liu brings nearly 20 years of security product expertise to the new company, drawing on his extensive experience in product development and people management.

“Moxa and Trend Micro will establish TXOne Networks, the joint venture, as a leading provider of IIoT security solutions,” said Andy Cheng, president of strategic business units at Moxa. “Industrial automation customers worldwide will benefit from integrated OT/IT security solutions that protect assets and reduce operational risks.”

Furthermore, TXOne solutions enable OT customers to optimize their network infrastructure and capture more IIoT opportunities. They can build reliable networks, integrate disparate networks into a single industrial-grade Ethernet backbone, and enhance the security of all network communications, minimizing production disruptions and reducing costs. Professional services are also provided, including security risk management, security breach response, and Trend Micro's “Zero Day Initiative (ZDI).”

“Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, and enterprises are struggling with staff shortages and accumulated fatigue,” said Dr. Terence Liu, general manager of TXOne Networks. “By joining forces, our two companies can meet the ever-increasing demands on enterprise security.”