Next-Generation Technologies & Secure Development,
Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) Management
Merger Enhances Application Protection and DevOps for Scalable Software Security
In a strategic move to enhance software security, Jyoti Bansal is merging the companies he founded, Harness and Traceable, to create a streamlined DevSecOps experience that caters to both developers and security teams. Sanjay Nagaraj, co-founder and CTO of Traceable, emphasized that this integration is an answer to the growing convergence between application security and DevOps personas, ultimately reducing friction in software development and deployment.
Bansal’s initiation of this merger is a response to overlapping customer interests and the demand for a consolidated approach to security and delivery. “With the DevSecOps convergence, it makes perfect sense to develop a platform that addresses both DevOps and SecOps needs,” Nagaraj stated during an interview with Information Security Media Group.
Harness, founded in 2017, currently employs nearly 1,200 individuals and received substantial funding of $150 million from Silicon Valley Bank in May 2024. Meanwhile, Traceable, which began operations in 2019 and employs 229 people, raised $110 million in funding, including a recent $30 million investment from IVP. Following the merger, the new entity will continue to operate under the Harness brand.
Integration Strategy for Harness and Traceable
As organizations have increasingly adopted the DevSecOps framework, the responsibilities of developing software and ensuring security compliance have become intertwined. Developers have begun to prioritize integrating security measures at the onset of the software development lifecycle. Nagaraj noted that many clients are actively seeking collaboration between Harness and Traceable to optimize security protocols.
“Today’s developers are expected to continuously deliver tangible business value. This involves not only writing and deploying code rapidly, but also addressing security vulnerabilities proactively,” Nagaraj explained. The merger aims to unite two companies that, while thriving independently, can now form a comprehensive solution for DevSecOps.
The contemporary model of software development is characterized by constant deployment of new features, bug fixes, and updates. However, this speed poses significant security challenges. With the rise of AI-enhanced code generation facilitating rapid software development, the potential for vulnerabilities increases, which calls for integrated security measures implemented throughout the development process. “Continuous delivery alone isn’t sufficient; continuous security is essential,” according to Nagaraj.
The merger will enable a unified system post-integration, which simplifies user management, access control, and administrative functions across the platforms of Harness and Traceable. This consolidation is expected to enhance developers’ visibility into security risks early in the process while providing security teams with deeper insights into development activities.
Implications for Future API Security Providers
Nagaraj posits that the combination of AI-driven insights and security automation will empower organizations to effectively manage security risks while streamlining software delivery processes. “AI continues to reshape how we approach software delivery,” he remarked, highlighting efforts to develop robust AI-native agents for accelerated, efficient, and secure software production.
Standalone API security vendors may find it increasingly difficult to compete unless they extend their offerings beyond mere API discovery and testing. Many traditional players focus solely on cataloging APIs without integrating runtime security measures and advanced threat detection capabilities. In contrast, Traceable prioritizes API-driven security, leveraging real-time traffic analysis to bolster detection and protection mechanisms.
Nagaraj framed the successful merger of Harness and Traceable as an opportunity to amplify market presence, increase sales, and maximize adoption of the integrated security solutions among Harness’s customer base. The effectiveness of this merger will be validated through high adoption rates, signifying both financial and operational success.
With 95% of Traceable’s customers already deploying solutions in actual production environments, Nagaraj envisions the merged entity becoming a leading security provider with widespread implementation in real-world applications.
