Vigilinx Inc. continues to build steam in a down market. Amid struggles throughout managed security, the startup has added a small army of sales and marketing execs formerly employed by competitors.

Joining Vigilinx are senior VP of sales Herb Jones, former CEO of Alta Analytics; VP of marketing David Puzas, who formerly held the same position at METASeS; and three VPs of sales--John Kolesar, former director of sales at Counterpane Internet Security; Thomas Lyden, former director sales at Canadian firm Jawz; and Holly Thillet, former national director of strategic sellers for Internet Security Services.

Vigilinx CEO Bruce Murphy, who headed up PricewaterhouseCoopers' North American security practice before founding Vigilinx, says the migration of executives demonstrates a belief in the company's strategy, staff, and client base.

Hurwitz Group analyst Pete Lindstrom describes the snatching up of so much experience as a "show of strength" in an industry that's consolidating. "Darwin is having a field day in the managed-services space," says Lindstrom. Given that environment, he says, Vigilinx and other managed-security companies have to demonstrate to potential clients that they're around for the long haul. To that end, Murphy says will continue looking for experienced recruits and acquisition targets.

Vigilinx launched in January with the acquisition of security consultancy IF SEC, followed by the acquisition of security intelligence firm LogiKeep a month later.