Internet networking equipment provider Cisco Systems has acquired self optimizing network (SON) software provider Intucell for approximately $475 million in cash.
Intucell's solution enables mobile carriers to plan, configure, manage, optimize and heal cellular networks automatically, according to real-time changing network demands. The acquisition will enable Cisco to add a critical network intelligence layer to manage and optimize spectrum, coverage and capacity, and ultimately the quality of the mobile experience.
The growing demand for high-bandwidth applications and services by smartphone users is driving greater network traffic and complexity. As a result, mobile operators need to optimize network bandwidth, usage and services in order to meet the surging demand for mobile data. 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.
"The mobile network of the future must be able to scale intelligently to address growing and often unpredictable traffic patterns, while also enabling carriers to generate incremental revenue streams," said Kelly Ahuja, Senior VP and GM at Cisco Service Provider Mobility Group. "Through the addition of Intucell's industry-leading SON technology, Cisco's service provider mobility portfolio provides operators with unparalleled network intelligence and the unique ability to not only accommodate exploding network traffic, but to profit from it."
Intucell was founded in 2008 by Rani Wellingstein, the company CEO, and Ido Susan, VP Products at Intucell. At the beginning of 2011 Intucell raised $6 million in equity funding from Bessemer Venture Partners. The company is headquartered in Ra'anana, Israel.