In the second software industry merger this week, Symantec and Veritas announced plans for a $13.5 billion merger Thursday morning. The merger would create the world's fourth largest software company, and will operate under the Symantec name.

Symantec, best known for its security and antivirus software, sees Veritas' work in computer backup as a perfect fit for the newly merged company. "The new Symantec will help customers balance the need to both secure their information and make it available, thus ensuring its integrity," Symantec CEO John Thompson said in a statement.