Intel acquires start-up Barefoot Networks for an unknown amount of money. Thanks to this start-up, developers can write code for network hardware that runs directly on the processor.
The data center network start-up has raised more than $150 million during funding rounds from giants such as Google, Dell Technologies Capital, Alibaba and Goldman Sachs, says Business Insider.
Barefoot Networks follows in the footsteps of parties like Cisco and Broadcom in their unconventional approach to the market. An approach that in this case focuses on the company’s own processor line called Tofino, which controls the range of hardware products. The Barefoot Networks solution allows for more customization than is currently the case with Cisco or Broadcom equipment, for example.
Tofino
With Tofino solutions from Barefoot, developers can program directly on the processor itself, at the deepest possible technical level. This allows customers to perform certain tasks with their products that were never originally intended for that purpose. For example, a Tofino switch can be used to analyze and diagnose network traffic as it travels through the data center. In doing so, the developer has the freedom to use precisely tailored control elements. The model can be added gradually.
The addition of Barefoot Networks will support our focus on end-to-end cloud networks and infrastructure leadership. In addition, it enables Intel to continue to deliver new workloads, experiences and capabilities to our data center customers, said Navin Shenoy, executive vice president and managing director of Intels Data Center Group.
Challenges
The acquisition comes at a time when Intel is facing new challenges. For the first time in a long time, the revenues of Intel’s data centre are faltering. The incorporation of Barefoot Networks therefore seems useful, especially since both companies are focused on chips, especially for the data centre. Parties such as Cisco and smaller competitors such as Arista Networks are reported to use all Barefoots Tofino chips to power some of their newest products.
According to Craig Barratt, CEO of Barefoot Networks, the deal will be completed in the third quarter of 2019.
Read more: Intel introduces Xeon W lineup for workstations
This news article was automatically translated from Dutch to give Techzine.eu a head start. All news articles after September 1, 2019 are written in native English and NOT translated. All our background stories are written in native English as well. For more information read our launch article.
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