Reliable sources say the outgoing CEO of Symantec John Thompson is the top candidate for the post of U.S. Commerce Secretary. His experience as CEO for a Symantec, the largest security software provider in the world, makes him an ideal candidate. Dean Garfield, president of the Information Technology Industry Council, says “His work on diversifying the corporate ranks bodes well for his willingness to think broadly about advancing our competitiveness on a global basis.” Thompson joined Symantec in 1999 and oversaw the acquisition of more than a dozen companies, including the $10.5 billion purchase of Veritas Software in 2005. While Thompson has always kept his political activities separate from business activities, he did hold several fundraisers for Obama at his California home. If chosen, he would fill the last slot in President Obama’s Cabinet. Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said Thompson is just one of the names under consideration and that no decision has been made.