Akamai Technologies Inc. said Wednesday that it has acquired Nominum Inc., a Redwood City, California-based company that provides domain-name service software and applications for top telecom providers, for an undisclosed sum.

Founded way back in 1999, Nominum offers an integrated suite of DNS-based applications that are claimed to “digitally transform service providers, while personalizing the online experience for subscribers.” The company’s platform is used by more than 100 telecommunications companies in 40-plus countries.

In an interview with SiliconANGLE’s theCUBE in 2012, Nominum General Manager Daniel Blasingame explained that while the company previously focused mainly on creating speedy, scalable engines for service providers, wireless carriers and other large network operators, it had shifted its attention toward a big-data model. That included putting more intelligence into DNS – “smarts that allow clients to gain a better understanding of their environment.”

For Akamai, the acquisition allows it to expand its business on two fronts. By combining Nominum’s cybersecurity solutions with Akamai’s enterprise security offerings and threat intelligence, Akamai said it will be able to serve a larger base of carrier and enterprise customers with more comprehensive security products.

“Akamai knows how critical it is for carriers and enterprises to ensure their online experiences are safe, reliable and fast for their users,” Akamai Executive Vice President Robert Blumofe said in a statement. “We believe this acquisition is a key investment in our security capabilities because Nominum will bring complementary technology, engineering, technical support and sales talent to better reach and serve our carrier partners and their enterprise customers.”

Prior to acquisition, Nominum had raised $41 million over four rounds, the last one in March 2005. Investors include Bessemer Venture Partners, Morgenthaler Ventures, Advanced Technology Ventures, Globespan Capital Partners, InnoVen Capital and VeriSign.

The deal is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter.

Image: Nominum