Agilent to acquire switch fabric silicon supplier RedSwitch for server and storage networking markets
30 September 2002 -- Agilent Technologies Inc is to acquire the remaining interest in RedSwitch, a privately held company with about 80 staff which develops high-performance switch fabric silicon solutions implementing the emerging InfiniBand and RapidIO industry standards for the storage, server, networking and telecom markets. Agilent currently holds a 74% interest. RedSwitch will become part of Agilent's Semiconductor Products Group.
Since RedSwitch was founded in June 2000 Agilent and RedSwitch have collaborated closely on the development of an 8-port, 4x InfiniBand switch IC. The acquisition will enable a single-vendor solution set that targets server and storage networking customers with a broad range of products, including switches, ASICs, optical transceivers, adapter boards and standard products.
At the 2001 Intel Developer Forum, the two companies jointly announced sampling of the HDMP-2840 InfiniBand Switch IC, and at this year's Intel Developer Forum they announced the general availability of the InfiniBand Switch IC.
"This acquisition will add expertise in key technologies - InfiniBand and RapidIO - and will strengthen Agilent's broad networking product and technology portfolio," said Dick Chang, senior vice president and general manager of Agilent's Semiconductor Products Group. "RedSwitch has an experienced switch development team that knows how to add value in a high-performance, high-complexity environment. Agilent adds world-class engineering resources, high-volume manufacturing, and global supply chain management, as well as proven strength in distribution, marketing, sales and support."
"By becoming part of Agilent, we can offer our customers broader, more complete solutions," said Hungwen Li, president and CEO of RedSwitch. "Agilent's resources as a Fortune 500 company add credibility to our products in the marketplace and should accelerate customer acceptance."