Accelerating Strategy to Deliver Next-Generation Software Defined Networking Solutions with Acquisition of Osido

Riverbed Technologies announced the acquisition of Ocedo, a German-based leader in software-defined networking and SD-WAN solutions. Through this acquisition, Riverbed is able to further strengthen its strategy for delivering next-generation software-defined networking solutions that ensure high application performance and business agility for hybrid enterprises.

Through the acquisition of Ocido, a currently private company, Riverbed is expected to not only be able to deliver best-in-class SD-WAN solutions to customers more quickly and widely, but also create decisive new growth opportunities for Riverbed and its partners. Details of Riverbed's acquisition of Ocido can also be found at (http://rvbd.ly/1UYRhZo).

Riverbed Jerry M. Kennelly Chairman and CEO Kennelly stated, “Osido’s innovative software-defined networking solutions perfectly complement our strategic R&D investments, expanding our position to compete more aggressively in the emerging software-defined network and SD-WAN markets and bringing about a major transformation in the multi-billion dollar branch router market.”

He added, “As the industry is expected to undergo massive changes over the next decade, including cloud and hybrid IT environments, approaching networking in ways different from the past, Riverbed is now in a better position to support enterprise customers in taking advantage of newly improved network architectures that are application-centric and software-defined.”

Gartner forecasts that 30% of enterprises will use SD-WAN products by the end of 2019.

SD-WAN solutions systematize and simplify the implementation and management of hybrid WANs, enabling applications located on-premises or in the public cloud to be delivered quickly and securely through IT with greater agility and ease. The SD-WAN market is expected to experience significant growth over the next few years. According to Gartner, 30% of enterprises are expected to use SD-WAN products in all their branch offices by the end of 2019, representing a tremendous growth rate compared to the current figure of less than 1%. (Gartner, Inc., Market Guide for Software-Defined WAN, Bjarne Munch, December 1, 2015)

Ocido, an early pioneer in the software-defined networking sector, has developed advanced software-defined networking solutions for branch offices, including security gateways, wireless access points and switches, and an integrated cloud management system that provides zero-touch installation and centralized management of remote devices and network services.

According to Zeus Kerravala of ZK Research, “The acquisition of Oscido is a significant, game-changing event that will immediately elevate Riverbed to the ranks of leaders in software-defined and SD-WAN solutions.” He further explained, “Along with Riverbed’s industry-leading application performance infrastructure solutions, this acquisition will solidify Riverbed’s position as a trusted provider of innovative, high-performance network software solutions during a critical period of change for the adoption of next-generation networks.”

Riverbed delivers applications quickly and agilely down to the point of contact in distributed enterprise environments through a unique application-centric approach to software-defined networking. In addition, Riverbed supports enterprise customers in fully realizing the benefits of software-defined networking solutions by providing a comprehensive application performance platform that offers end-to-end visibility, optimization, and control.

Implementation of cloud-based zero-touch installation and management

This acquisition is expected to further accelerate the implementation of Riverbed's 'Project Tiger' plan, which was announced last year. Project Tiger is a new application-centric SD-WAN solution family that will eliminate the need for traditional branch routers and enable cloud-based zero-touch installation and management. It will be based on a new software operation platform that can run Riverbed's own and third-party provider services and applications quickly and flexibly.

In addition to innovative technology, the capabilities of Ocido's experienced management and technical team are also expected to strengthen Riverbed. Ocido's founding members are experts with decades of experience in the networking industry, including the co-founder of Astaro, a network security company acquired by Sophos in 2011.

Jan Hichert, CEO of Ocido, stated, “We are very excited to join the Riverbed team, who possess strong determination and passion, at a time when we aim to transform the market with exceptional networking solutions in the current cloud, mobile, and hybrid environments.” He added, “I am confident that Ocido’s technology will grow and develop together with Riverbed, and we will continue to innovate and develop solutions that will change the way applications are delivered in today’s enterprise environment.”