Sunbelt Software, maker of a number of security and anti-spyware applications, has saved the day by acquiring Kerio Personal Firewall, which was due to be discontinued at the end of the year. Sunbelt says it will continue to offer a free version of the firewall for home users.

Initially, the product will be re-branded as "Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall," and support will continue for all existing customers. The full version of KPF will be offered at reduced pricing and both Sunbelt and Kerio customers will receive special offers, the company said.

"I am, frankly, thrilled with this acquisition. I've used all the big name firewalls, and this is my personal favorite. I'm not knocking the others, as there are some outstanding firewalls out there (ZA and Agnitum come to mind). I just really like how it operates," wrote Sunbelt President Alex Eckelberry on the Sunbelt Blog.

"It's straightforward, very effective and also has cool features like ad blocking and intrusion prevention."

Sunbelt expects to complete the purchase by the end of the month. In the meantime, Kerio will continue to offer KPF on its Web site. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Sunbelt customers will also get the opportunity to buy the Kerio Firewall at a discount and we'll also be offering Sunbelt products to Kerio users at a discount," Eckelberry added.

The news from Sunbelt comes days after Symantec disclosed it was scrapping the free Sygate Personal Firewall, as well as the paid Pro version. Symantec is instead offering users a discounted upgrade to Norton Personal Firewall, which runs $37.49 USD.