Cisco Systems To Acquire WLAN System Supplier Airespace
San Jose, CA -- Cisco Systems today announced a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Airespace, Inc., a provider of wireless local area networking (WLAN) systems. Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco will pay approximately $450 million in stock and assumed options for Airespace. Upon close of the transaction (expected by April 30, 2005), Airespace will join Cisco's Data Center, Switching and Wireless Technology Group.
Airespace's product portfolio will expand Cisco's WLAN solution portfolio, accelerating delivery of key WLAN features and capabilities for Cisco's customer base. Airespace's product portfolio includes WLAN controllers, access points, WLAN management and location software, and security capabilities, including IDS. The acquisition will allow Cisco to address a broader set of market segments and integrate advanced capabilities into current Cisco products.
"As part of our global systems approach to networking, we continually look for complementary technology that offers new value to our customers. Airespace is a strong technological and cultural fit with an outstanding team," said Luca Cafiero, senior VP, Data Center, Switching and Wireless Technology Group, Cisco Systems. "Cisco and Airespace are both committed to helping our customers take advantage of the productivity benefits of seamless mobility and computing by accelerating the adoption of intelligent, adaptive WLAN infrastructure."
The WLAN business market is expanding rapidly in part because wireless networks enable customers to move toward a more agile and efficient work environment that fosters collaboration and accelerates the pace of business. Airespace's centralized WLAN architecture was designed from the ground up for ease of deployment and use, manageability, and location. Airespace's products include capabilities in areas such as wireless IDS, a broad standards-based WLAN security portfolio, and reduced operational complexity.
With the addition of Airespace's products and technology, Cisco will offer customers a comprehensive suite of WLAN solutions spanning a wide range of customer sizes and needs. In the near term, Cisco will continue to offer and support both the existing Cisco structured wireless-aware network (SWAN) framework and Airespace product lines.
Airespace was founded in July 2001 and has approximately 175 employees.
Source: Cisco Systems