IBM plans to buy Internet Security Systems (ISS) for $1.3 billion in a bid to better address growing IT security issues.

ISS, based in Atlanta, offers software, appliances and services that help companies protect their networks, desktops, and servers from Internet threats.

IBM hopes the acquisition, announced Wednesday, will help it better address growing concerns that companies have regarding various security issues such as data theft and compliance with government regulations.

IBM plans to integrate ISS' software with its Tivoli IT service management portfolio and sell ISS' managed security services through its existing sales channels. IBM also plans to continue offering ISS' security intelligence service, which details global online vulnerabilities and threat conditions for enterprises. ISS operates security operations centers around the globe and IBM expects to add those to its existing centers.

ISS, which has 11,000 customers, will become a business unit within IBM Global Services' security organization. The companies expect the deal to close in the fourth quarter of this year.