Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO) has announced that it will acquire advanced self-optimizing network (SON) software developer Intucell Ltd. for $475 million in cash. Intucell's solution enables mobile carriers to automatically plan, configure, manage, optimize and heal cellular networks in line with real-time changes in network demands.
Headquartered in Ra'anana, Intucell has offices in the UK, US, and Singapore. Founded in 2008 by CEO Rani Wellingstein and VP products Ido Susan, who can each expect to earn around $80 million from the sale, investors include Bessemer Partners and private individuals. Genesis Partners gave the company a loan in 2010. In total, Intucell has raised only $7 million according to IVC. Cisco will integrate Intucell's 800 employees into its Service Provider Mobility Group, which reports to Cisco VP and general manager Software and Applications Group Shailesh Shukla. Cisco said that part of the acquisition includes "retention-based incentives".
Cisco said, "The proliferation of connected mobile devices, faster network speeds, and growing demand for high-bandwidth applications and services are driving greater network traffic and complexity. As mobile service providers continue to face increased end-user demand, the need to optimize network bandwidth, usage and services is increasing. Intucell's SON software platform addresses these challenges by examining the network, identifying issues in real time, and intelligently adapting the network to meet demand."
Cisco adds that, with the evolution of 4G LTE networks, Intucell's solutions will help it provide next-generation solutions with a SON software platform that supports multi-application, multi-vendor and multi-technology capabilities and enables service providers to manage operational costs and make better use of infrastructure investments.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 23, 2013
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