Cisco grabs Comptel's UK assets

Deal sees network giant acquire the AXIOSS software suite and a number of employees from Axiom Systems

Cisco is to snap up software assets and associated employees from the UK subsidiary of Comptel Corporation (formerly Axiom Systems).

Under the terms of the deal, for approximately $31m (£19m) in cash, Cisco will acquire the AXIOSS software suite – a fulfilment platform that offers automated ordering.

The acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2011.

Upon the close of the acquisition, the AXIOSS team will be integrated into the Cisco NMTG and Cisco Advanced Services Group.

The acquisition will enable the networking giant to extend network and service management technologies across its next-generation IP network platforms, and help service providers to launch new video, data, mobility and cloud services more quickly and efficiently, it claimed.

Jesper Andersen, senior vice president and general manager of the Network Management Technology Group at Cisco, said: “As more users, connected mobile internet devices and bandwidth-intensive applications drive the explosive growth in IP-based networks, service providers continue to invest in their infrastructure to support customers' needs.

"With the acquisition of AXIOSS software and talent, we will help enable service providers to generate greater profits using a single management architecture to drive quick monetisation and optimisation of their Cisco network investments."

Jordi Ferrer, managing director of UK service provider and media at Cisco, said: “Through the acquisition of AXIOSS software and talent we will be investing in a unique set of technology and skills in the UK that will be a valuable addition to Cisco's network management portfolio. Cisco will deliver network management technology and services that will help service providers increase the speed and lower the costs of delivering a wide range of voice, video and data services to their customers."