Logicalis makes cloud integrator play with latest acquisition
NubeliU specialises in cloud computing projects based on OpenStack
Logicalis has made a play for the cloud integrator market by acquiring a majority stake in Latin American firm NubeliU.
The global IT solutions and managed services provider has bought a 51 per cent stake in NubeliU, which specialises in cloud computing projects based on OpenStack.
Although its operations are in Argentina and Brazil, NubeliU can remotely deliver its services around the globe, Logicalis said, adding that the acquisition will form the basis for establishing a Logicalis Global OpenStack practice.
The acquisition marks a shift in gear for Logicalis, whose traditional business is based around partnerships with the likes of Cisco, HPE and IBM.
However, revenue from products fell 6.2 per cent in Logicalis' fiscal 2017, with decreases in Cisco, HPE and IBM offset by strong growth in other vendor categories, including Oracle VMware and ServiceNow. Its overall revenues were flat last year, at $1.5bn.
NubeliU integrates OpenStack environments with customers' existing platforms across multiple vendor product lines, Logicalis said, adding that its engineers have deployed one of the largest OpenStack private clouds in Latin America.
Mark Rogers, CEO Logicalis: "We are convinced that OpenStack will be one of the foundations for the ICT future infrastructure. It is a platform that allows management and orchestration of hybrid environments in public and private clouds, ensuring a safe and transparent operation for corporate clients. This acquisition brings us the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to position Logicalis as the best placed organisation, to deliver cloud projects to our customers".
Jens Montanana, chief executive of Logicalis parent Datatec added: "This acquisition is an important step for Logicalis to enhance its position as a leading cloud integrator."
This is Logicalis' second acquisition in as many weeks - in late June it gobbled up Indonesian SI Packet Systems.