EarthLink (ELNK), the nation's next generation Internet service provider, today announced it has reached an agreement to acquire the assets of Aluria Software, LLC, a privately held developer of protection and security products for consumers, small businesses and enterprise customers. The acquisition is expected to close in September.

Aluria is best known for its consumer anti-spyware application, Spyware Eliminator, which, to date, has over 20 million users worldwide. Recently, Aluria launched its first business-targeted application, Paladin, which provides the same innovative, industry-leading anti-spyware protection for small businesses and corporations. The company also sells a number of other security, protection and system optimization applications.

"Safety and security have always been central to our award-winning Internet service, and Aluria's innovative products will enhance and improve our already robust suite of protection applications," said Matt Cobb, EarthLink's vice president of core applications. "Aluria's expertise, when combined with our easy-to-use tools, will help protect EarthLink subscribers from online threats like spyware, spam or phisher sites."

"Our vision is that people want state-of-the-art Internet security tools that are intuitive and easy-to-use," said Rick Carlson, Aluria Software's chief executive officer. "We think our technology is a perfect fit for the protection services that EarthLink offers."

The agreement and EarthLink's obligation to close the acquisition are subject to certain conditions. The acquisition is expected to close in September, and once completed, the Aluria assets will become a part of a new division of EarthLink.