WAN Optimization Gone Wild

Call it today's WAN optimization trifecta: Cisco acquired packet-processing startup SpansLogic, a new vendor got fresh funds, and an existing player has an upgrade in the works. (See Cisco to Acquire Spans Logic.)

The SpansLogic deal is just the latest by always acquisitive Cisco, which include XML specialist Reactivity, virtualization vendor NeoPath, and security firm IronPort (See Cisco Acquires Reactivity, Cisco Nabs NeoPath, and Cisco to Acquire IronPort.) The networking giant has already made M&A moves in the WAN optimization space, snapping up FineGround for $70 million back in 2005. (See Cisco Chomps FineGround, Cisco Accelerates WAN Adoption, and Cisco Backs Into Optimization.)

SpansLogic develops processors that speed packet processing across the network. Cisco's not revealing how much it paid nor its specific plans for the startup, but it did confirm that the SpansLogic processors will be built into data center products such as Ethernet switches.

The chip specialist was founded in 2004 and has been cloaked in secrecy since then. Its Website offers scant information on the firm and its products, although it lists Crescendo Ventures and ATA Ventures as financial backers.

SpansLogic's 14 employees are expected to move over to Cisco upon the closure of the acquisition next month.