TippingPoint is a supplier of next-generation intrusion systems and network security options, and HP says that in future it’s going to resell network security services from associates (including TrendMicro) rather than possess its own assets.

The move comes in advance of HP finishing a breakup of its own company into corporate as well as PC services, a move it declared last year would be complete by the end of the fiscal year.

The deal is anticipated to close by the end of Q4.

Trend Micro says the deal includes IP security technology, business expertise and TippingPoint’s customer base. It’ll be joining the company with its existing network security operations in a brand new business unit of TippingPoint.

HP says that after the deal closes it’s going to continue to associate with TippingPoint as a “tactical customer and associate.”

HP and trend Micro have had a strategic partnership set up since 2014. This is being positioned by trend Micro as its manner of finishing the selection of security options they can provide to businesses, while keeping some continuity in the HP relationship.

“Organizations require a layered risk defense working seamlessly through the business to deal with hazards prior to, during and following an assault,” said Eva Chen, CEO of Trend Micro in a statement. “This new next-generation network shield option joins our best-in-group network violation discovery system, with established intrusion prevention and response capacities from TippingPoint. Given our tenure with both HP and TippingPoint technology, we’re excited regarding the agility of the acquisition as well as the value it’s going to create for customers.”

The rise in cloud computing and IP-everything that in turn has resulted in a significantly bigger precedence for network security investments among businesses, and has resulted in a rise in malicious hacking and other cybercrime.

But at exactly the same time, as the space becomes more complex, it seems like customers might see more businesses come that focus only on security instead of attempting to give a complete collection of IT services.

Before that, 3Com purchased TippingPoint in 2005 for $442 million — making today’s $300 million cost something of a bargain.