Posted by California, US: With the aim to strengthen networking and infrastructure offerings, Intel said that it is acquiring Barefoot Networks, a specialist in Ethernet switch and silicon.
“Intel has signed an agreement to acquire Barefoot Networks, an emerging leader in Ethernet switch silicon and software for use in the data center, specializing in the programmability and flexibility necessary to meet the performance and ever-changing needs of the hyperscale cloud,” said Navin Shenoy, EVP and GM – Data Center Group (DCG), Intel Corporation.
Barefoot Networks, according to Shenoy will support the company’s focus on end-to-end cloud networking and infrastructure leadership, and will allow Intel to continue to deliver on new workloads, experiences and capabilities for the data center customers.
Dr. Craig Barrat, leads the networking specialist Barefoot Networks based in Santa Clara, California. He along with his team will join Intel post the deal is closed, which is expected to be in the third quarter, 2019.
Barefoot Networks will add deep expertise in cloud network architectures, P4-programmable high-speed data paths, switch silicon development, P4 compilers, driver software, network telemetry and computational networking.
“We look forward to serving Barefoot Networks’ current customers, and to introducing its innovative programmable networking paradigm to more customers around the world,” added Shenoy.
With Barefoot’s buyout, Intel is gearing up to boost technology capabilities of the DCG and eyeing more business in the Hyperscale data centers and cloud. However, the company hasn’t disclose financial details of this deal.
Intel’s DCG business has steadily increased over the years and contributes significantly in company’s overall revenue and sales. In fact, Intel’s data center revenue was $23 billion in 2018, up 13 percent from 2017, which was $19.6 billion. Interestingly, DCG revenue has been the second biggest revenue earning segment after the Client Computing Group (CCG).
(Image source – Intel)