Cisco To Acquire Network Management Software Provider LineSider

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In a move to add to its growing data center and cloud computing effort, Cisco reported that it plans to acquire LineSider Technologies, a provider of network management software.

Announced Wednesday, the deal will provide Cisco with increased abilities to help customers build network services necessary to securely create and deploy cloud computing infrastructures, Cisco said. LineSider has been a Cisco partner, so the firms have experience working together.

"Cloud computing represents a significant opportunity for Cisco customers to create more effective business models and increase the operating efficiency of the network," said Jesper Andersen, senior VP of Cisco's network management technology group, in a statement.

"With the acquisition of LineSider," Andersen continued, "Cisco will gain a key component to helping customers make this shift. LineSider's advanced network management software integrates both physical and virtual network services with a policy-based approach and makes networks more flexible and responsive to change."

Cisco customers will be able to utilize LineSider's software to integrate their existing IT operational tools and processes while organizing their network resources into a flexible cloud infrastructure.

LineSider meets challenges faced by IT operations as virtual devices are added, moved or changed regularly between physical locations or network segments. Cisco noted that its partner-centric approach in cloud computing will enable LineSider technology to strengthen Cisco's work with many software partners, particularly those specializing in service management. LineSider has partnerships with leading cloud computing and data center providers, including EMC and Hewlett-Packard.

Financial details of the acquisition weren't reported. Cisco said it expects the deal to be completed in the second quarter of its 2011 fiscal year. Privately held Linesider is based in Danvers, Mass.

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