**Editor’s Note: Please click here for a recap of the biggest channel-impacting mergers in Q1 2015.**

ViaWest, the data-center operator that offers hybrid cloud and colocation services, is acquiring AppliedTrust Engineering, a provider of security, compliance, DevOps and infrastructure-consulting services to enterprises and government customers.

“Combining with AppliedTrust allows us to provide customers with deep expertise that addresses their most pressing security and compliance needs, while keeping up with innovation and time to market,” said Nancy Phillips, ViaWest CEO. “ … Our customers want a future-proofed IT platform, allowing them to focus on their core business without worrying about the constantly evolving technology landscape. In addition to AppliedTrust’s rich security and compliance offerings, they are an emerging leader in transforming customer IT operations through a sophisticated DevOps platform.”

Denver-based ViaWest says the AppliedTrust purchase will improve its ability to deliver secure hybrid IT services that include assessment, migration, compliance consulting, cloud readiness and deeper application support.  

“DevOps and security are among our customers’ most pressing concerns,” said Ned McClain, co-CEO of AppliedTrust. “ViaWest and AppliedTrust share the belief that performance, availability and security of systems and networks are critical to an organization, so we have made these our core competencies.”

Financial details of the deal weren’t disclosed. No word yet when it will close, but both companies say they are committed to making it happen quickly.

ViaWest itself was acquired by Canada’s Shaw Communications less than a year ago. Isaiah Hogberg, channel sales director for ViaWest, told us at the Spring 2015 Channel Partners Conference & Expo that he expects the deal to give partners access to more products and services.

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