Zycko branches into open source with Vyatta deal

Distributor makes first foray into open source technology with deal to distribute network OS specialist

David Galton-Fenzi: routing has become a widely understood and open standard technology

Zycko has leapt into the open source space after a Europe-wide distribution deal with network operating system specialist Vyatta.

Vyatta's software aims to provide end users with full routing and security capability at a vastly reduced cost to a hardware alternative. Zycko will initially be rolling out the partnership in eastern Europe, before bringing the technology into central and western areas.

Vyatta works with Riverbed as part of the WAN optimisation player's Technology Alliance programme. Zycko will be offering the open source firm's kit in a bundle with the Riverbed Services Platform. David Galton-Fenzi, group sales director at Zycko, claimed Vyatta's affordability differentiated it from other routing players.

"Routing has become a widely understood and open standard technology," he said. "However, many existing vendors continue to charge customers a premium when they bundle the software on their chosen hardware platforms."

Tom McCafferty, vice president of marketing at Vyatta, claimed Zycko's Riverbed expertise had made it the perfect choice of partner.

“Vyatta is seeing global demand as increasing numbers of organisations recognise and take advantage of the benefits that software-based networking offers, like performance, affordability and platform independence,” he added.