SAN JOSE, Calif. - September 18, 2007 - Cisco® today announced a definitive agreement to purchase Germantown, MD-based Cognio, Inc., the market leader in wireless spectrum analysis and management for wireless networks.
Cognio's industry-leading spectrum technology enhances performance, reliability and security of wireless networks by detecting, classifying, locating and mitigating sources of radio frequency (RF) interference. The acquisition will provide Cisco with complementary and differentiating technology, intellectual property and a core team to expand Cisco's leadership in unified wireless networking.
Wireless and mobility are becoming mission critical components of today's networks, with businesses viewing the wireless spectrum as a strategic corporate asset. Businesses now require robust, next generation wireless networks to support the unprecedented growth of wireless devices and the increased reliance on mobility applications. Cognio's spectrum intelligence solution enables network managers to proactively manage their wireless spectrum and minimize RF interference for an optimal user experience.
"With a strong product and technology portfolio and consistent innovation from a talented group of engineers, Cognio has emerged as the leader in spectrum intelligence technology," said Brett Galloway, vice president and general manager of the Wireless Networking Business Unit, Cisco. "Wireless spectrum is a strategic asset for our customers, and its management is key to the robust delivery of mobility applications. Cognio's innovation in spectrum intelligence will help ensure Cisco continues to differentiate our ability to deliver our customers rich and dependable end-user mobility experiences."
The Cognio acquisition complements Cisco developed technology as well as expertise from other acquisitions that Cisco has made in the wireless networking space. This acquisition will expedite the delivery of industry-changing capabilities and is consistent with how Cisco uses business development strategies to move into new markets or to gain new technologies. Cisco classifies wireless networking as a Cisco Advanced Technology -- one of six -- with application networking services, home networking, security, storage networking and unified communications being the others.
The Cognio acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions and is expected to close in the first quarter of Cisco's 2008 fiscal year. Upon the close of the acquisition, Cisco plans to integrate Cognio into its Wireless Networking Business Unit, under the Ethernet and Wireless Technology Group.
The Cognio acquisition will be No. 122 for Cisco and the first one in fiscal year 2008.
