There is no better time than now to be in the world of networking. While it is changing significantly without many taking notice, we have exciting times ahead of us. Many of us, including me, may even be out of a job in a few years once networking becomes truly automated, but for now, let’s embrace the change and see what happens! Just in the past few months we’ve seen Nicira, vCider, and now Vyatta get acquired, not to mention the other SDN startups getting more VC funding, the most recent of this bunch, Big Switch Networks. But, today’s announcement is clearly about Vyatta getting acquired by Brocade.
We’ve seen a lot of hype around Software Defined Networking (SDN) in the past 24 months and during this hype, we’ve seen real traction with real products and progress in the world software based networking solutions including leading solutions from Cisco and VMware like ASA 1000V, Virtual Security Gateway, and vShield, etc. Juniper also acquired Altor nearly two years ago to enter the world of security virtualization. They may have been the real pioneers here.
Let’s not doubt the future of Vyatta and SDN, but let’s also understand there is a difference between software-defined and software-based solutions. I actually think Brad Hedlund wrote about this sometime last year, but after a quick search, I could not find it.
I think one key is not to underestimate the technology of a startup networking vendor although there are probably more now than there ever have been. While we see more start-ups emerge, those with promise will likely be acquired by an existing incumbent. This may seriously change the vendor landscape in the short term as we are already seeing.
This acquisition seems to make complete sense giving Brocade a strategy in the world of data center virtualization and software based networking solutions. Per the Vyatta CEO today on YouTube, Vyatta has had over 1M downloads so their reach is far, very far, while only having 1000 production installs and growing. I would expect leveraging the Brocade channel and sales teams will increases these numbers quickly.
As usual, I look forward to seeing how this and the greater world of software networking will impact our world over the next 2-3 years.
Congratulations to Brocade and Vyatta.
Jason
@jedelman8
www.jedelman.com
Let’s not doubt the future of Vyatta and SDN, but let’s also understand there is a difference between software-defined and software-based solutions. I actually think Brad Hedlund wrote about this sometime last year, but after a quick search, I could not find it.
I think one key is not to underestimate the technology of a startup networking vendor although there are probably more now than there ever have been. While we see more start-ups emerge, those with promise will likely be acquired by an existing incumbent. This may seriously change the vendor landscape in the short term as we are already seeing.
This acquisition seems to make complete sense giving Brocade a strategy in the world of data center virtualization and software based networking solutions. Per the Vyatta CEO today on YouTube, Vyatta has had over 1M downloads so their reach is far, very far, while only having 1000 production installs and growing. I would expect leveraging the Brocade channel and sales teams will increases these numbers quickly.
As usual, I look forward to seeing how this and the greater world of software networking will impact our world over the next 2-3 years.
Congratulations to Brocade and Vyatta.
Jason
@jedelman8
www.jedelman.com
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