Extreme Networks (EXTR) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding stock of Enterasys Networks in an all cash transaction valued at $180 million. The combined company will be committed to continue to support the product roadmaps of both companies going forward to protect the investments of current customers and avoid any disruption to businesses. Within two years the Extreme Networks network operating system ExtremeXOS will incorporate additional features that are available in the Enterasys network operating systems and fully support both hardware platforms.
"The combination of Extreme Networks and Enterasys is significant in that it brings together two companies with distinct strengths addressing the key areas of the network, from unified wired and wireless edge, to the enterprise core, to the data center and cloud," said Zeus Kerravala, principal analyst and president of ZK Research. "With an open software approach, the companies can drive product innovations and customers will benefit from their increased resources and larger scale."
Privately held Enterasys provides wired and wireless network infrastructure and security solutions, and holds a rich portfolio of patents. Recently the Philadelphia Eagles partnered with Enterasys to equip their stadium with the latest high-density Wi-Fi technology - the Enterasys IdentiFi solution. Combined with its OneFabric Control Center management it provides centralized visibility and control over the network, giving the Eagles valuable intelligence to more easily roll out new applications and services to improve the overall in-game experience.
"Since its first release in 2004, ExtremeXOS® has been developed with a Linux abstraction layer that makes it relatively easy to extend ExtremeXOS to support other vendors' switching hardware," said Chuck Berger, President and CEO of Extreme Networks. "Combining Enterasys technologies and products including their Coreflow modular switches, IdentiFi wireless and the NetSight system management application will extend and complement our product offering which we expect will provide significant added value to the current customers of both Extreme and Enterasys."
