CloudBolt Acquires StormForge, Extends Kubernetes Support

CloudBolt Software recently announced the acquisition of StormForge, a machine learning-powered Kubernetes resource optimization platform.

Acquisition strengthens optimization capabilities

StormForge’s ML-driven optimization capabilities into CloudBolt’s FinOps platform to reduce Insight-to-Action time in container environments, creating an advanced Kubernetes cost management solution.

The two companies first partnered in early 2024 when StormForge became the inaugural member of CloudBolt’s Technical Alliance Program (TAP). As a partner, StormForge is already integrated into the CloudBolt Platform and is available for immediate purchase.

As organizations encounter challenges– such as the dynamic nature of container workloads, which complicate resource allocation and rightsizing, as well as complex Kubernetes environments– this acquisition from CloudBolt will address these issues by providing a comprehensive solution that completes the FinOps for Kubernetes loop, allowing businesses to inform, optimize, and operate containers efficiently.

“StormForge’s innovative approach to Kubernetes optimization complements our vision perfectly,” said Craig Hinkley, CEO of CloudBolt. “This acquisition is like two pieces of a puzzle snapping into place, seamlessly integrating their technology into our third-generation FinOps platform. The market has been calling for a more unified, streamlined, and intelligent way to manage costs and optimize Kubernetes operations– together, we’re delivering exactly that.”

StormForge helps organizations optimize Kubernetes workloads safely, automatically, and at scale. It automatically adjusts resource requests and limits, as well as the target utilization of the HPA, to match real-time demand and minimize the risk of performance issues while reducing cost waste across all Kubernetes deployments.

According to CloudBolt, this acquisition will further strengthen the organization’s position in the AI/ML-driven FinOps landscape, following the debut of its Augmented FinOps plans in January 2024– which included the launch of the new CloudBolt Platform in October 2024.

Key executives stay on as roadmap development speeds up

StormForge’s acquisition will work to advance its roadmap and solidify its leadership in intelligent cloud optimization.

“By combining our intelligent Kubernetes optimization platform with CloudBolt’s industry-leading cloud cost visibility, customers will now receive a closed loop solution, from reporting, through proven and powerful optimization capabilities,” said Rod Squires, CEO of StormForge. “Our shared goal is clear, to empower FinOps leaders with the tools that platform engineers trust, and break open the longstanding ‘black bow’ of container spending. Together, we’re making Kubernetes optimization smarter, more transparent, and more actionable than ever before with a tool developed by engineers, for engineers.”

Additionally, StormForge’s COO, Yasmin Rajabi, will join CloudBolt’s executive team as the new Chief Strategy Officer. Meanwhile, John Platt, StormForge’s founding engineer, will continue his role in accelerating AI/ML across CloudBolt’s platform.

“This acquisition creates a powerhouse in the cloud cost optimization space,” said Thomas Krane, Managing Director at Insight Partners. “The combination of CloudBolt’s comprehensive FinOps capabilities with StormForge’s Kubernetes-specific machine learning technology addresses one of the most significant pain points for enterprises today. Organizations can now implement a truly unified approach to cloud cost management across any cloud infrastructure.”

Acquisitions in March were plentiful and included a blockbuster acquisition in the cloud space. Read more about acquisitions from the past month and how they’ve impacted the channel.