Cisco intends to acquire US privately held network management software provider LineSider Technologies that enables customers build the network services necessary to securely create and deploy cloud computing infrastructure. LineSider, which is based in Danvers, Massachusetts, will enhance Cisco's ability to provision network services. LineSider's software is designed to enable customers to organise their network resources into a flexible cloud infrastructure that integrates the network with customers' existing IT operational tools and processes. This network abstraction layer allows customers to provision and deploy numerous individual network components. LineSider's approach responds to pre-determined business scenarios and provides performance across networking products and service delivery platforms. LineSider's technology will enable Cisco to work with a community of software partners, particularly within the service management space. In addition to providing Cisco with advanced technology, the acquisition of LineSider will bring a team of engineers to the company. Upon the close of the acquisition, the LineSider team will become part of Cisco's NMTG. Financial terms of the transaction are undisclosed. The acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions and is expected to be complete in the second quarter of Cisco's fiscal year 2011.
