Cisco to buy Jasper Technologies for IoT in $1.4bn deal

By Nick Flaherty www.flaherty.co.uk

Deal Brings Together Connectivity, Security, Automation and Real-Time IoT Analytics

Consolidation in the embedded industry continues as IoT pioneer Jasper Technologies is to be bought by networking giant Cisco Systems for $1.4bn 

Santa Clara-based Jasper developed a cloud-based IoT service platform to help enterprises launch, manage and monetize IoT services on a global scale and has become a leading IoT service platform with over 3500 enterprise customers and 27 service providers around teh world.

The technology allows companies to connect any device – from cars to jet engines to implanted pacemakers – over the cellular networks of the top global service providers, and then manage connectivity of IoT services through Jasper’s Software as a Service (SaaS) platform.

IoT brings with it many complexities, such as connecting and securing millions of devices and collecting and analyzing data. Jasper simplifies these challenges and helps customers accelerate the shift to IoT by automating the management of IoT services across connected devices.

The proposed acquisition will allow Cisco to offer a complete IoT solution that is interoperable across devices and works with IoT service providers, application developers and an ecosystem of partners. Cisco will continue to build upon the Jasper IoT service platform and add new IoT services such as enterprise Wi-Fi, security for connected devices, and advanced analytics to better manage device usage.

 

“I am excited about the opportunity for Cisco and Jasper to accelerate how customers recognize the value of the Internet of Things,” said Chuck Robbins, Cisco's Chief Executive Officer. “Together, we can enable service providers, enterprises and the broader ecosystem to connect, automate, manage, and analyze billions of connected things, across any network, creating new revenue streams and opportunities.”

“IoT has become a business imperative across the globe. Enterprises in every industry need integrated solutions that give them complete visibility and control over their connected services, while also being simple to implement, manage and scale,” said Jahangir Mohammed, Jasper Chief Executive Officer. “By coming together, Jasper and Cisco will help mobile operators and enterprises accelerate their IoT success.”   

Mohammed will run the new IoT Software Business Unit under Rowan Trollope, Cisco senior vice president and general manager of the IoT and Collaboration Technology Group. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016.