Brocade snaps up SDN start-up Connectem

Move bolsters vendor's cloud and IOT offering

Brocade has grabbed Silicon Valley software-defined networking (SDN) start-up Connectem as it looks to boost its presence in the space.

Founded in 2011, San Jose-based Connectem claims to have developed the first software-based virtualised evolved packet core (EPC) technology which runs on standard datacentre infrastructure.

When the deal closes, which is expected to happen in Brocade's second quarter, the company will come under its Emerging Business Group umbrella.

Lloyd Carney, Brocade chief executive, said: "This acquisition strengthens Brocade's position in the networking industry as the adoption of software-centric networking continues to accelerate.

"I am very pleased to bring this technology into our portfolio as we invest strategically in New IP across NFV [Network Functions Virtualisation] and SDN to provide seamless datacentre and cloud solutions."

Nishi Kant, chief executive of Connectem, said: "Connectem's pioneering technology dramatically improves the flexibility, scalability, and total cost of ownership of mobile vEPC solutions. We are excited to realise the full extent of this vision as part of Brocade, a widely recognised leader and innovator in software networking."