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SDN, Network Virtualization Set Pace of Innovation

 
 
By Michael Vizard  |  Posted 2016-08-26
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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    1 - SDN, Network Virtualization Set Pace of Innovation
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    SDN, Network Virtualization Set Pace of Innovation

    Established players may rule the networking roost, but solution providers should watch for smaller companies likely to set the pace of innovation in SDN and network virtualization.
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    2 - Anuta Networks
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    Anuta Networks

    Anunta Networks created an orchestration system that employs REST APIs to manage multiple networks via a single controller. The company worked with Logicalis and Hewlett Packard Enterprise to develop a proof-of-concept for the telecommunications industry. Chandra Manubothu, director of sales engineering, is managing channel programs for the company, which was founded in 2010.
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    3 - Apstra
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    Apstra

    Founded in 2014, Apstra is building a distributed network operating system that runs across multiple platforms. The company is currently developing channel programs. CEO Mansour Karam is overseeing this initiative.
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    4 - Big Switch Networks
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    Big Switch Networks

    Big Switch Networks, a builder of an SDN platform for open networking platforms, recently named Mike Hoffman vice president of worldwide sales and chief revenue officer. Matthew Russois is head of global strategic alliances and channel sales for the company, which was founded in 2010.
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    5 - Cumulus Networks
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    Cumulus Networks

    Cumulus Networks developed a network operating system capable of being deployed on multiple open switches. The company recently appointed Ron DiBiase vice president of sales. Sudeep Goswami, vice president of international sales, heads channel programs for the company, which was founded in 2010.
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    6 - Glue Networks
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    Glue Networks

    Founded 2007, Glue Networks developed a network orchestration platform that runs across multiple platforms. The company recently made its Dynamic Network Development Kit available to third-party network engineers. Alan Grahame, vice president of sales, is in charge of the company's channel efforts.
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    7 - Midokura
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    Midokura

    Founded in 2010, Midokura developed a layer of network virtualization software spanning multiple platforms. The company has partnered with Mirantis and received OpenStack certification from Red Hat. Ashish Mukharji, director of business development, runs the company' channel program.
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    8 - Netronome
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    Netronome

    Founded in 2003, Netronome developed network adapter cards to offload processing of networking software. The company added Broadband, Colfax International and DSCon to its partner network. Ken Way, senior vice president of worldwide sales, heads up the company's channel program.
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    9 - Pica8
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    Pica8

    Pica8, founded in 2009, developed SDN software for white-box switches. The company has a partnership with Hewett Packard Enterprise under which Pica8's SDN software is available in HPE's app store. Niraj Jain, vice president of business development, oversees Pica8's channel programs.
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    10 - Plexxi
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    Plexxi

    Plexxi combines software and hardware to create SDN optimized for application software. The company has partnered with Aligned Data Centers to drive a pay-for-use consumption model. Tim Lieto, senior vice president of sales and support, heads the channel program for the company, which was founded in 2010.
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    11 - PLUMgrid Networks
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    PLUMgrid Networks

    PLUMgrid Networks provides SDN software capable of spanning multiple platforms. The company has achieved certification on both Mirantis and Red Hat OpenStack platforms. Kash Iftikhar, vice president of sales and business development, heads the channel program for the company, which was founded in 2011.
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    12 - Pluribus Networks
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    Pluribus Networks

    Founded in 2010, Pluribus Networks develops SDN and network performance monitoring software. The company recently named Todd Dalton head of channels and has expanded into a larger number of global markets.
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    13 - Tempered Networks
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    Tempered Networks

    Tempered Networks, whose mission is to build new networking architecture based on Host Identity Protocol (HIP), forged a partnership earlier this year with Rockwell to drive deployments. CEO Jeff Hussey is managing the channel program for the company, which was founded in 2014.
 

Software-defined networks (SDNs) and network virtualization are all the rage these days. As a result, it's not surprising to see mainstream enterprise IT vendors, such as VMware and Cisco, trying to lead the charge. However, solution providers across the channel should also be paying attention to smaller independent companies that in many ways set the pace of innovation across the category. In fact, to varying degress several of these vendors are looking to embrace channel partners. A recent survey conducted by QuinStreet Enterprise, parent company of Channel Insider, finds that the rate at which IT organizations are starting to deploy SDNs and network virtualization technologies is starting to gain momentum. Given that rate of growth, it's also clear that partners across the channel will need to work with multiple vendors across the category to keep up with demand. Channel Insider takes a look at a dozen small vendors (listed alphabetically) that are up and coming in the SDN and network virtualization world.