Ekinops buys SaaS startup SixSq for edge computing play
Ekinops (Euronext Paris - FR0011466069 – EKI) says it has purchased Geneva-based startup SixSq. The software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider adds edge computing capabilities to the Ekinops software portfolio. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, other than that Ekinops will supply financing to SixSq to enable its new asset to increase its sales operations and R&D activities.
SixSq developed the Nuvla.io marketplace, which hosts business applications in container format, and the NuvlaBox software, which accepts apps from Nuvla.io and converts enterprise routers or other open data processing hardware platforms on which the NuvlaBox software is hosted into smart edge systems, according to Ekinops. The purchaser describes the product as similar to the application stores patronized by consumers for their smart devices, enabling access to apps from a variety of vendors.
SixSq’s products are already integrated through the Ekinops virtualization offering (OneOS6-LIM). Ekinops next plans to integrate NuvlaBox software directly into OneOS6 middleware, which will enable all OneOS6 routers to run "container" business applications downloaded via the Nuvla.io marketplace. The pairing of the app capability with its new 5G routers will enable Ekinops to make artificial intelligence available to its customers for a variety of use cases, the company believes.
As a result, the addition of SixSq is expected to contribute €1 million to €2 million in revenue next year. Ekinops says it is targeting triple-digit growth in subsequent years. Overall, Ekinops hopes that within three years it will be able to generate at least 20% to 30% of its revenue through software and services. Such offerings represented 12% of first half 2021 revenues.
"After enriching OneOS6 middleware with SD-WAN and SBC solutions, it is now possible to extend it to all types of applications through the integration of NuvlaBox into OneOS6 and access to the Nuvla.io marketplace. The possibilities are infinite!" said Didier Brédy, CEO of Ekinops. "We are looking forward to presenting this opportunity to our telecom operator customers. It is a new way for them to monetize their presence at enterprise branch sites through our OneOS6 routers."
"Our solution, already productized, offers a unique value proposition to various verticals such as industry, mass retail and telecoms. For us, joining Ekinops is an enormous accelerator," stated Marc-Elian Bégin, co-founder and CEO of SixSq. "Thanks to Ekinops' support, we now have the firepower to rapidly move into the B2B market focusing on large accounts and telecom operators. We have already identified opportunities. The market has been waiting for this type of solution, so the timing is perfect."
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About the Author
Stephen Hardy
Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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