Intel is acquiring Barefoot Networks, an emerging leader in Ethernet switch silicon and software, to improve the potential of its data center chips. The chip maker aims to meet the performance and ever-changing demand of the hyperscale cloud.
“We’ve discussed previously the amazing fact that over half of the world’s data was generated in the past two years and only 2% of that data has been analyzed. Driven by that reality, we’re always asking ourselves how we can better enable our customers to harness the potential of this data, by moving, storing and processing it with the speed and efficiency that they demand,” wrote Navin Shenoy, executive vice president and general manager of the Data Center Group at Intel Corporation, in a blog post.
Founded in 2013, Barefoot Networks specializes in the programmability and flexibility required to meet the performance and rising demand of the hyperscale cloud. Acquisition of Barefoot will support the focus on Intel on end-to-end cloud networking and infrastructure leadership. It will also enable Intel to remain focused on delivery of new workloads, and capabilities of its data center customers.
Further, Intel believes adding Barefoot Networks will improve the flow of the information and create more advanced data center interconnects.
“Barefoot Networks team is a great complement to our existing connectivity offerings. Barefoot Networks will add deep expertise in cloud network architectures, P4-programmable high-speed data paths, switch silicon development, P4 compilers, driver software, network telemetry and computational networking,” explained Shenoy.
This deal is likely to close in the third quarter of 2019.
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Image source: Intel
