Dell has signed an agreement to acquire Force10 Networks Inc., in a move intended to enhance Dell’s data center product portfolio with the addition of Force10's high-performance data center networking offerings. Prior to the acquisition, Dell and Force10 enjoyed a partnership for more than six years.
Force10 is a nearly $200-million company, with approximately 80 percent of its business in North America and operating in more than 60 countries worldwide. Force10’s recently introduced Open Cloud Networking platform is based on open standards, automation, and virtualization. Dell says it is committed to maintaining and growing Force10’s channel program. Force10’s customers include Web 2.0 and Fortune 100 companies, Internet portals, global carriers, research laboratories, and government organizations with demanding network environments. Force10 was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with research and development operations based in Silicon Valley. Dell also plans to keep Force10’s existing operations in Chennai, India as it continues to invest in additional engineering and sales capability to grow this business.
The transaction was approved by the board of directors of each company. Additional terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction remains subject to customary conditions and is expected to close in late summer.
Source: Lightwave
