Intel Buys McAfee: 10 Possible Outcomes

In stunning news on Aug. 19, chip-maker Intel announced that it will acquire security-firm McAfee in a $7.68 billion deal. Much of the talk surrounding the announcement revolves around what Intel plans to do with McAfee. At this point, it hasn’t had much to say. 

But once the deal closes and Intel finally has the ability to do what it wants with McAfee, the tech industry will find out if the move was a good one. And considering there are so many possibilities that could come out of this acquisition, it’s tough to predict exactly what will happen. 

But that doesn’t mean that Silicon Valley watchers shouldn’t offer their own prognostications. There is a lot riding on Intel’s acquisition of McAfee. And from an industry-wide perspective, it could have far-reaching effects. 

Let’s take a look at some of the major developments that could result from Intel’s McAfee acquisition. 

1. Symantec runs into trouble 

Symantec currently dominates the paid security-software market, easily besting McAfee on just about every front. But with Intel’s backing, McAfee might have a change of fortune. Symantec doesn’t have the bankroll that Intel enjoys, and thanks to the added talent that Intel can bring to the table, it’s entirely possible that McAfee offers vastly improved services in the coming years. That, in turn, could have a direct impact on Symantec’s business. The security company should be watching this acquisition closely. 

2. Intel makes a mistake 

Although most at Intel seem excited about the McAfee acquisition, it’s entirely possible that the firm has made a mistake. McAfee isn’t as big or as powerful as Symantec. And some would agree that its software doesn’t work as well as some other options on the market. If that continues, and Intel can’t get what it wants out of the company, it’s entirely possible that this acquisition will be viewed as a blunder. 

3. Little changes at McAfee 

So far, Intel hasn’t made its full intentions known about how it will handle McAfee. But that doesn’t mean that Intel will vastly change the way the company operates. In fact, it’s entirely possible that it will allow McAfee to operate as it currently does and only use it when it needs it. At this point, it’s unknown how Intel will handle McAfee, but it’s not a stretch to say little might change at the security firm. 

4. Better mobile security? 

It seems that Intel is deeply concerned with getting better security solutions on Web-connected devices, like smartphones. Based on that, the market might soon see some new mobile-security solutions coming from the Intel-owned McAfee to capitalize on that burgeoning market. Mobile security is becoming increasingly important in today’s workplace. And that might only help Intel and McAfee going forward. 

Next: How Long Will Intel’s Acquisition Binge Continue? >>