Origin and pronunciation of "Thawte"

Working in the IT industry I often have to use the word Thawte - the name of a company and its certificates. What is the origin of this word and its correct pronunciation? Does it have its own meaning or is it just a name? A web search result seems to contain IT security stuff only.

Solution 1:

I believe Thawte constructed its name as a portmanteau of "thought" and "thwart", which would make sense considering their area of expertise. I would imagine that "Thawte" was intended to be pronounced the same way as you would pronounce "thought".

Solution 2:

I've never heard anyone say it, but all the references I can find say to pronounce the name as "thought".