FaceTime to buy spyware fighter XBlock

Foster City, Calif.-based FaceTime Communications on Tuesday plans to announce the acquisition of anti-spyware company XBlock Systems of Huntington, W.Va. The takeover brings FaceTime technologies to enhance its product line, a company representative said. In addition to anti-spyware software, XBlock also runs the SpywareGuide.com Web site. Terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed.

FaceTime, known for its instant messaging security products, is adding spyware protection to its product portfolio. In late May, the company announced Real-Time Guardian 3.0, software that promises to block spyware and adware in the enterprise and to secure instant messaging and peer-to-peer usage. FaceTime uses XBlock technology in RTG 3.0, which the company has said should be available this month.