Wednesday, September 7, 2016

McAfee to Spin Out of Intel as Independent Company

Intel reached an agreement with TPG, a private investment fund, to spin out its security division as a newly formed, jointly-owned, independent cybersecurity company.

The new company will be called McAfee, its former name. Chris Young will be appointed CEO of the new company upon closing of the transaction.

TPG will own 51 percent of McAfee and Intel will own 49 percent in a transaction valuing the business at approximately $4.2 billion. TPG is making a $1.1 billion equity investment to help drive growth and enhance focus as a standalone business.

Last year, Intel Security unveiled a new strategy that refocused the business on endpoint and cloud as security control points, as well as actionable threat intelligence, analytics and orchestration. This new strategy allows customers to detect and respond to more threats faster and with fewer resources.

“Security remains important in everything we do at Intel and going forward we will continue to integrate industry-leading security and privacy capabilities in our products from the cloud to billions of smart, connected computing devices,” said Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel. “As we collaborate with TPG to establish McAfee as an independent company, we will also share in the future success of the business and in the market demand for top-flight security solutions, creating long-term value for McAfee’s customers, partners, employees and Intel’s shareholders. Intel will continue our collaboration with McAfee as we offer safe and secure products to our customers.”

“As a standalone company supported by these two partners, we will be in an even greater position of strength, committed to being the best provider the cybersecurity industry has ever seen,” Young said. “We will continue to focus on solving the unique demands of customers in the dynamic cybersecurity marketplace, drive innovation that anticipates future market needs, and continue to grow through our strategic priorities.”

Intel Security said its cyber security software protects more than a quarter of a billion endpoints, secures the footprint for nearly two-thirds of the world’s 2,000 largest companies, detects more than 400,000 new threats each day, and represents more than 7,500
strong of the industry’s most talented professionals. Through the first half of this year, Intel Security Group revenue grew 11 percent to $1.1 billion, while operating income grew 391 percent to $182 million. Intel Security also increased total bookings 7 percent per year on a constant currency basis from 2013 to 2015.

http://www.intel.com

Intel to Acquire McAfee, Bringing Focus to Device Security

Intel has agreed to acquire McAfee in a deal valued at approximately $7.68 billion ($48 per share).

McAfee offers a suite of software-related security solutions, including end-point and networking products and services that are focused on helping to ensure Internet-connected devices and networks are protected.


Intel said the combination of security software and hardware from one company will ultimately protect devices better from online threats. Intel also said the deal augments its mobile wireless strategy and signals its commitment to focus on security on par with energy-efficient performance and connectivity.


"With the rapid expansion of growth across a vast array of Internet-connected devices, more and more of the elements of our lives have moved online," said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. "In the past, energy-efficient performance and connectivity have defined computing requirements. Looking forward, security will join those as a third pillar of what people demand from all computing experiences.


"The cyber threat landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years, with millions of new threats appearing every month," said Dave DeWalt, president and CEO of McAfee. "We believe this acquisition will result in our ability to deliver a safer, more secure and trusted Internet-enabled device experience."


McAfee, based in Santa Clara and founded in 1987, is the world's largest dedicated security technology company with approximately $2 billion in revenue in 2009. It has approximately 6,100 employees.
http://www.intel.com
http://www.mcafee.com

HPE to Spin Out Software Group with Micro Focus

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) will spin-off its non-core software assets, merging this business unit with Micro Focus.  The deal was valued at approximately $8.8 billion.

The software assets include HPE’s Application Delivery Management, Big Data, Enterprise Security, Information Management & Governance and IT Operations Management businesses.  These will be merged with Micro Focus, thereby creating one of the world’s largest pure-play software companies.

Micro Focus, which is headquartered in Newbury, United Kingdom, supplies identity access and security solutions; COBOL development and mainframe solutions; development and IT operations management tools; gost connectivity solutions; and collaboration and networking solutions.  Micro Focus also owns SUSE, which supplies enterprise Linux and Open Stack solutions.

In addition to the spin-off/merger, HPE and Micro Focus announced plans for a commercial partnership that will name SUSE as HPE’s preferred Linux partner and will bring together HPE’s Helion OpenStack and Stackato solutions with SUSE’s OpenStack expertise to provide best-in-class enterprise-grade hybrid cloud offerings for HPE customers.

“With today’s announcement, we are taking another important step in achieving the vision of creating a faster-growing, higher-margin, stronger cash flow company well positioned for our customers and for the future,” said Meg Whitman, President and Chief Executive Officer of HPE.

http://investors.hpe.com/

Pokémon GO Downloads Surpass 500 Million

Pokémon GO, the location-based augmented reality game developed by Niantic and The Pokémon Company, has been downloaded more that 500 million times since its launch in July.

At Apple’s event in San Francisco, Niantic unveiled early details about Pokémon GO for Apple Watch. Fans can look forward to Pokémon GO for Apple Watch to launch later in 2016.

“The globally loved Pokémon brand paired with Niantic’s platform and game design that encourages exploration, exercise and making real world social connections has inspired millions of people of all ages to go outdoors together,” said John Hanke, CEO of Niantic, Inc. “We are encouraged by the fast adoption of the game and are pleased to see so many people walk and play every day. Pokémon GO for Apple Watch will be another way people can incorporate the game into their daily lives, even more seamlessly.”

http://www.nianticlabs.com


  • Niantic, which was originally incubated within Google, was founded by John Hanke, who previously helmed the Google Geo team (including Google Maps and Google Earth) after his startup Keyhole was acquired by Google. In 2015, Niantic, Inc., spun out from Google, becoming an independent company with investments from Google, The Pokémon Company and Nintendo. 


Cologix Plans $130 Million Data Center Expansion

Cologix, a network neutral interconnection and data center company, announced today that construction has begun on a 160K SQF, 18+MW data center on its current 8 acre campus in Columbus, Ohio.

The new $130M+ facility will become Columbus's largest neutral data center and will be directly linked to Cologix's existing data centers which are the most connected facilities in Ohio, offering connectivity to 45+ network service providers, 20+ cloud service providers and the Ohio-IX Internet Exchange.

"Cologix's position as the leading data center and interconnection provider in Columbus has provided a unique perspective on key trends in the market.  Large enterprises are increasingly interested in outsourcing internal data centers with an eye toward leveraging cloud services for some aspects of their IT systems.  Until now, there has not been a neutral facility in Columbus that can combine connectivity with the scale that can support large cloud and enterprise deployments, and we are excited to address that need with our new data center," stated Grant van Rooyen, CEO, Cologix.

http://www.cologix.com


NETSCOUT Debuts its InfiniStreamNG Visibility Platform

NETSCOUT SYSTEMS released its next-generation, real-time information platform called the InfiniStreamNG featuring multiple form factors and deployment options: virtual, software and hardware appliances.

InfiniStreamNG, which provides end-to-end visibility in data center, cloud, and hybrid infrastructures for both enterprise and service provider customers is the first proof point of the combined assets and technologies enabled by NETSCOUT’s strategic acquisition of Danaher Corporation’s Communications Business in mid-July 2015 that included Tektronix Communications, Arbor Networks and the enterprise portions of Fluke Networks.

The company said the new architecture of InfiniStreamNG “mines” IP traffic intelligence in real time, to deliver timely, accurate and actionable information to service assurance, cybersecurity, and business intelligence applications. It leverages an advanced and extended version of NETSCOUT’s patented Adaptive Service Intelligence™ (ASI) technology, now termed ASI Plus, to seamlessly incorporate technologies from the Danaher Communications acquisition, and facilitate support for a wider range of new analytic software from NETSCOUT, from strategic partners and from other third parties. As a result, the InfiniStreamNG is positioned to serve as the industry’s most versatile real-time metadata technology.

“Today’s most successful and innovative companies, both in the enterprise and the carrier sector, realize that the flawless delivery of digital services, agile deployment, and cost-effective operations require real-time, actionable intelligence,” said Anil Singhal, co-founder, president and chief executive officer, NETSCOUT. “Three years ago, we saw the opportunity to leverage IP convergence to provide scalable, real-time access to the mission-critical data needed to drive our customer’s digital initiatives. Since then, we have made significant investments in both organic innovation and strategic acquisitions to capitalize on this massive opportunity.”

The InfiniStreamNG has been shipping to a number of service provider customers for several quarters and will be available to all customers this month.

http://www.netscout.com/press-release/netscout-unveils-industrys-first-real-time-information-platform-for-service-assurance-cybersecurity-and-big-data/


NetScout Acquires Danaher’s Communications Business

NetScout Systems completed its acquisition of Danaher Corporation’s Communications Business. The deal was valued at $2.3 billion and involved the issuance of 62.5 million shares of NetScout common stock at $36.89 per share to Danaher’s shareholders.

The acquisition includes Tektronix Communications, Arbor Networks and parts of the Fluke Networks businesses, all of which were owned by Danaher Corp.  The deal was first announced in October 2014.

Danaher’s Communications business generated revenue (unaudited) of approximately $836 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Danaher’s Communications business, which has over 2,000 employees worldwide, includes: 

Tektronix Communications, based in Plano, Texas, which provides a comprehensive set of assurance, intelligence and test solutions and services support for a range of architectures and applications such as LTE, HSPA, 3G, IMS, mobile broadband, VoIP, video and triple play. Also included are VSS Monitoring and Newfield Wireless.

Arbor Networks, based in Burlington, Massachusetts, which provides solutions that help secure the world’s largest enterprise and service provider networks from DDoS attacks and advanced threats.

Fluke Networks, based in Everett, Washington, which delivers network monitoring solutions that speed the deployment and improve the performance of networks and applications. The data cabling tools business and carrier service provider (CSP) tools business within Fluke Networks are not included this transaction.

“This acquisition represents an important milestone for NetScout that enhances our ability to drive value for customers, stockholders, employees and other stakeholders,” stated Anil Singhal, president and CEO.   “With a broader range of market-leading capabilities and technologies, as well as more extensive, global go-to-market and distribution resources, NetScout will be better positioned to capitalize on the many exciting opportunities we see to further expand our customer relationships around the world.  We welcome over 2,000 new colleagues to NetScout and collectively, we are looking forward to realizing the Company’s potential in the marketplace.”

NetScout also announced today that it has secured a new five-year, $800 million senior secured revolving credit facility that replaces its previous revolving credit facility of $250 million.

http://www.netscout.com

Danaher acquired Tektronix in 2007 for $1.1 billion.

Danaher acquired Arbor Networks in 2010.

Sprint Chalks Up Performance Quality Gains

Sprint cited significant gains in its mobile network performance following two years of infrastructure enhancements.

Sprint now ranks second for wireless network quality performance in five out of six geographic regions of the U.S. according to J.D. Power's 2016 Wireless Network Quality Performance Study – Volume 2. Sprint has the second-highest network quality in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Southwest and West Regions.

The study shows a big improvement for Sprint since August 2014, when the company finished last in every region by a large margin.

J.D. Power's semiannual study is based on 10 problem areas of the customer experience: dropped calls; calls not connected; audio issues; failed/late voicemails; lost calls; text transmission failures; late text message notifications; Web/app connection errors; slow downloads/apps; and email connection errors. Network performance issues are measured as problems per 100 (PP100) connections, with a lower score reflecting fewer problems and higher overall performance.

“Following our ongoing investments and technological advancements in the Sprint network, our customers are having a significantly improved experience and our gap in performance to the market leader is smaller than ever before,” said Dr. John Saw, Sprint Chief Technology Officer. “While that gap is small, our customers know that there’s a huge difference in value. Wireless consumers no longer have to choose between a good network and one they can afford – at Sprint they can have both.”

http://www.sprint.com

T-Mobile US Tests 5G on 28 GHz Spectrum with Samsung

Samsung Electronics is collaborating with T-Mobile US on new 5G demonstrations and lab tests, including an outdoor environment using T-Mobile’s 28 GHz (mmWave) spectrum and Samsung’s 5G proof of concept system, which will be enabled by Samsung’s advanced beam forming technology.

In early 2017, additional in-depth trials will continue using a Samsung pre-commercial 28 GHz system.

“We are excited to work with Samsung to see how we can bring to life key attributes of emerging 5G technology, including extreme speed, low latency and massive connectivity,” said Neville Ray, Chief Technology Officer, T-Mobile. “Our collaboration with Samsung’s networks technology will enable us to enhance 5G development and availability.”

http://www.samsung.com

NEC to Build Indonesia Global Gateway Submarine Cable

PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia has selected NEC to build an optical submarine cable system that will connect the islands of Sumatra, Batam, Jawa, Bali, Kalimantan and Sulawesi with Singapore.

The Indonesia Global Gateway Cable System (IGG) is specified at 100 Gbps x 80 wavelengths (wl) x 4 fiber pairs (fp) optical fiber pairs. The systems will span approximately 5,300 kilometers, connecting the cities of Dumai, Batam, Jakarta, Madura, Bali, Makassar, Bilikpapan, Takaran and Manado with Singapore. Activation is planned for 2018.

"NEC is honored to be selected once again by Telkom as the supplier of an optical fiber submarine cable system, the advanced 100Gb/s IGG system, providing connectivity among nine Indonesian cities and Singapore, and linking two international submarine cables at Dumai and Manado. Since first building an optical fiber submarine cable system for Telkom in 1991, NEC has continuously helped to expand Indonesia's domestic connectivity. The Papua Cable System (SMPCS) being the latest such contribution, NEC is proud to have the chance to add yet another page to its service history with the IGG," said Mr. Toru Kawauchi, General Manager, Submarine Network Division, NEC Corporation.

http://www.nec.com

Celeno Secures $38 Million for Wi-Fi Silicon

Celeno Communications, a start-up based in Israel, raised $38 million in new funding for its semiconductors for multimedia Wi-Fi networking.

Celeno's portfolio includes its 802.11ac Wave 2 product line and software technologies.

The new funding round was led by Red Dot Capital Partners, a capital fund focused on growth stage investments funded by Temasek, an investment company based in Singapore, through its enterprise development unit. Additional new investors are Poalim Capital Markets, the investment arm of Bank HaPoalim, the largest financial banking group in Israel, and OurCrowd. Existing investors including Liberty Global, Cisco, Pitango, 83North (formerly Greylock IL), Vintage and Miven also participated in the round. Zvika Naggan, Managing Partner at Red Dot has joined Celeno’s Board of Directors.

“With this significant new investment round, combined with the calibre of investors backing us, we are able to continue executing our strategy, building a world class global company that will bring value to investors and shape the industry as a market leader,” says Gilad Rozen, CEO of Celeno. “With this new round we have taken Celeno to the next level and are able to further accelerate our growth and expansion in the market as well as focus on enhancing R&D efforts and further developing our disruptive solutions.”

http://www.celeno.com/media-room/press-releases/445-celeno-closes-a-38-million-investment-round.html

Finisar Intro WaveShaper Optical Processors

Finisar introduced its WaveShaper Series A Programmable Optical Processors for optical filtering and processing applications in advanced communication systems in R&D and manufacturing.

Finisar said its new WaveShaper Series A processors significantly reduce insertion loss and polarization dependent loss (PDL), and provide an increased operating wavelength range for both C- and L-band units. All WaveShaper instruments now include an Ethernet interface, in addition to the existing USB control.

http://www.finisar.com

Microsoft Activates Azure from UK Data Centers

Microsoft announced the availability of its Azure cloud services and Office 365 from multiple data centers in the UK.

Microsoft has now announced 34 Azure regions around the world with 28 generally available today – more than any other major cloud provider.

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/microsoft-azure-now-available-from-uk-datacenters/