Cisco Systems, Inc., commonly known as Cisco, is an American computer networking company. Cisco made its first acquisition in 1993,[1] which was followed by a series of further acquisitions.
Founded in 1984, Cisco did not acquire a company during the first seven years of its existence; but, on September 24, 1993, Cisco acquired Crescendo Communications, a LAN switching company.[2] Following the first Cisco takeover purchase, acquisitions have constituted 50 percent of the company's business activity.
The company's largest acquisition is the purchase of Splunk—a software company that develops software for the analysis and monitoring of machine-generated data—28 billion. Cisco's previous largest acquisition was tied between Cerent Corporation and Scientific Atlanta for $6.9 billion in 1999 and 2005 respectively.[3]
The majority of companies acquired by Cisco are based in the United States (U.S.) and a total of 149 companies have been acquired .[4] Most of the companies acquired by Cisco are related to computer networking, with several LAN switching and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) companies included in the list of acquisitions.[4]
Each acquisition is for the respective company in its entirety, unless otherwise specified, and the date of the agreement between Cisco Systems and the subject of the acquisition is listed. The value of each acquisition is listed in the US$ currency because Cisco Systems is headquartered in California, U.S.
The majority of its products and business units have come from acquisitions, with Cisco Systems spending more than $70 billion to acquire approximately 218 organizations as of October 2021.
| Date | Company | Business | Country | Value (USD) | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crescendo Communications | LAN switching | $ | [5] | ||
| Newport Systems Solutions | Router | $ | [6] [7] [8] | ||
| Kalpana | LAN switching | $ | [9] | ||
| LightStream | ATM switching | $ | [10] | ||
| Combinet | Remote office routers | $ | [11] | ||
| Internet Junction | Gateway | $ | [12] | ||
| Grand Junction Networks | 100Mbps Ethernet LAN Switching | $ | |||
| Network Translation | Firewalls | $ | [13] [14] | ||
| Grand Junction Networks | LAN switching | $ | [15] [16] [17] | ||
| TGV Software | Internet software company | $ | [18] [19] Updated on ClearOS' web page: ClearOS Pedigree | ||
| StrataCom | ATM switching | $ | [20] [21] | ||
| Telebit | Modems | $ | [22] [23] | ||
| Nashoba Networks | LAN switching | $ | [24] [25] | ||
| Granite Systems | Computer networking | $ | [26] [27] | ||
| Netsys Technologies | Network simulation | $ | [28] [29] | ||
| Metaplex | Computer networking | - | [30] | ||
| Telesend | Broadband Internet access | - | [31] [32] | ||
| Skystone Systems | Synchronous optical networking | $ | [33] [34] | ||
| Global Internet Software Group | Firewall | $ | [35] | ||
| Ardent Communications | Broadband Internet access | $ | [36] | ||
| Integrated Network | Digital subscriber line | - | [37] | ||
| LightSpeed International | Voice over Internet Protocol | $ | [38] | ||
| WheelGroup | Computer security | $ | [39] [40] | ||
| NetSpeed | Broadband Internet access | $ | [41] | ||
| Precept Software | Internet television | $ | [42] | ||
| CLASS Data Systems | Computer networking | $ | [43] | ||
| Summa Four | LAN switching | $ | [44] | ||
| American Internet | Computer networking | $ | [45] | ||
| Clarity Wireless | Wireless networking | $ | [46] | ||
| Selsius Systems | Voice over Internet Protocol | $ | [47] | ||
| Pipelinks | Synchronous optical networking | $ | [48] | ||
| Fibex Systems | Digital loop carrier | $ | [49] [50] | ||
| Sentient Networks | Voice over Internet Protocol | $ | |||
| GeoTel Communications | Voice over Internet Protocol | $ | [51] | ||
| Amteva Technologies | Voice over Internet Protocol | $ | |||
| TransMedia Communications | Gateways | $ | |||
| StratumOne Communications | Synchronous optical networking | $ | |||
| Calista | Private branch exchange | $ | |||
| MaxComm Technologies | Voice over Internet Protocol | $ | |||
| Monterey Networks | Synchronous optical networking | $ | |||
| Cerent | Synchronous optical networking | $ | |||
| IBM Networking Hardware Division | Computer networking | $ | [52] | ||
| COCOM A/S | Cable modems | $ | |||
| Webline Communications | Contact management | $ | [53] | ||
| Tasmania Network Systems | Web cache | $ | |||
| Aironet Wireless Communications | Wireless LAN | $ | |||
| V-Bits | Digital video | $ | |||
| Worldwide Data Systems | Information technology consulting | $ | |||
| Internet Engineering Group (IEng) | High performance routing software | $ | [54] | ||
| Pirelli Optical Systems | Fiber-optic communication | $ | [55] | ||
| Compatible Systems | Virtual private networking | $ | [56] [57] | ||
| Altiga Networks | Virtual private networking | $ | |||
| Growth Networks | Chipsets | $ | [58] | ||
| Atlantech Technologies | Network management | $ | [59] | ||
| JetCell | Mobile telephones | $ | [60] | ||
| infoGear Technology | Information management | $ | [61] | ||
| SightPath | Content delivery | $ | [62] | ||
| PentaCom | LAN switching | $ | [63] | ||
| Seagull Semiconductor | Computer networking | $ | [64] | ||
| Arrowpoint Communications | LAN switching | $ | [65] | ||
| Qeyton Systems | Wavelength-division multiplexing | $ | [66] | ||
| HyNEX | Internet access | $ | [67] | ||
| Netiverse | LAN switching | $ | [68] | ||
| AuroraNetics | Computer networking | $ | [69] | ||
| Komodo Technology | Voice over Internet Protocol | $ | [70] | ||
| NuSpeed Internet Systems | iSCSI | $ | [71] | ||
| IPmobile | Mobile software | $ | [72] | ||
| PixStream | Media player (application software) | $ | [73] | ||
| IPCell Technologies | Voice over Internet Protocol | $ | [74] | ||
| Vovida Networks | Voice over Internet Protocol | $ | |||
| CAIS Software | Integrated development environment | $ | [75] | ||
| Active Voice | Communication software | $ | [76] | ||
| Radiata | Wireless networking | $ | [77] | ||
| ExiO Communications | Wireless networking | $ | [78] | ||
| Allegro Systems | Virtual private networks | $ | [79] | ||
| Hammerhead Networks | Computer networking | $ | [80] | ||
| Navarro Networks | Computer networking | $ | |||
| AYR Networks | Computer networking | $ | [81] | ||
| Andiamo Systems | Data storage | $ | [82] | ||
| Psionic Software | Intrusion detection | $ | [83] | ||
| Okena | Intrusion detection | $ | [84] | ||
| SignalWorks | Echo cancellation | $ | [85] | ||
| Linksys | Computer networking | $ | [86] | ||
| Latitude Communications | Web conferencing | $ | [87] | ||
| Twingo Systems | Computer security | $ | [88] | ||
| Riverhead Networks | Computer security | $ | [89] | ||
| Procket Networks | Routers | $ | [90] | ||
| Actona Technologies | Data storage | $ | [91] | ||
| Parc Technologies | Routers | $ | [92] | ||
| P-Cube | Service Delivery Platform | $ | [93] | ||
| NetSolve | Information technology | $ | [94] [95] | ||
| dynamicsoft | Communication software | $ | [96] [97] | ||
| Perfigo | Computer networking | $ | [98] | ||
| Jahi Networks | Network management | $ | [99] | ||
| BCN Systems | Routers | $ | [100] | ||
| Protego Networks | Network security | $ | [101] | ||
| Airespace | Wireless LAN | $ | [102] [103] | ||
| Topspin Communications | LAN switching | $ | [104] [105] | ||
| Sipura Technology | Voice over Internet Protocol | $ | [106] [107] | ||
| Vihana | Semiconductors | $ | [108] [109] | ||
| FineGround Networks | Network security | $ | [110] [111] | ||
| M.I. Secure Corporation | Virtual private networks | $ | [112] | ||
| Netsift | Computer networking | $ | [113] | ||
| KISS Technology | Entertainment technology | $ | [114] | ||
| Sheer Networks | Service management | $ | [115] | ||
| Nemo Systems | Computer networking | $ | [116] | ||
| Scientific Atlanta | Digital cable | $ | [117] | ||
| Cybertrust | Information gathering | $ | [118] | ||
| SyPixx Networks | Surveillance | $ | [119] | ||
| Metreos | Voice over Internet Protocol | $ | [120] | ||
| Audium | Voice over Internet Protocol | $ | |||
| Meetinghouse | Computer security | $ | [121] [122] | ||
| Arroyo Video Solutions | Video on demand | $ | [123] [124] | ||
| Ashley Laurent | Gateways | - | [125] | ||
| Orative | Mobile software | $ | [126] | ||
| Greenfield Networks | Semiconductors | - | [127] | ||
| Tivella | Digital signage / IPTV | - | [128] | ||
| IronPort | Computer security | $ | [129] [130] | ||
| Five Across | Social networking service | - | [131] [132] | ||
| Reactivity | Web services | $ | [133] [134] | ||
| Utah Street Networks | Social networking service | - | [135] [136] | ||
| NeoPath | Data storage | - | [137] [138] | ||
| WebEx | Web conferencing | $ | [139] [140] | ||
| SpansLogic | Computer networking | - | [141] [142] | ||
| BroadWare Technologies | Surveillance | - | [143] [144] | ||
| Cognio | Mobile software | - | [145] [146] | ||
| Latigent | Business performance management | - | [147] [148] | ||
| Navini Networks | WiMAX | $ | [149] [150] | ||
| Securent | Digital rights management | $ | [151] [152] | ||
| Nuova Systems, Inc. | Computer networking | $ | [153] | ||
| DiviTech A/S | Digital service management | - | [154] | ||
| Pure Networks, Inc. | Computer software | $ | [155] | ||
| PostPath | $ | [156] | |||
| Jabber, Inc. | Presence | - | [157] | ||
| Richards-Zeta Building Intelligence | Building management systems | - | [158] | ||
| Pure Digital Technologies | Digital video | $ | [159] [160] | ||
| Tidal Software | Job scheduling | $ | [161] | ||
| ScanSafe | SaaS Web Security Provider | $ | [162] [163] | ||
| Set-top box business of DVN | Cable | - | [164] | ||
| Starent Networks | System Architecture Evolution | $ | [165] | ||
| Tandberg | Videoconferencing | $ | [166] | ||
| MOTO Development Group | Product design | - | [167] | ||
| CoreOptics | Digital signal processing | - | [168] | ||
| ExtendMedia | Video | - | [169] | ||
| Arch Rock Corporation | Smart Grid | - | [170] | ||
| LineSider Technologies | Network Management Software | - | [171] | ||
| Pari Networks | Network Configuration and Change Management (NCCM) | - | [172] | ||
| Inlet Technologies | Adaptive Bit Rate (ABR) digital media processing platforms | $ | [173] | ||
| newScale Inc. | [Cisco Intelligent Automation for Cloud] | - | [174] | ||
| AXIOSS Software and Talent | IT Service Management Software | $ | [175] [176] | ||
| Versly | Integrated Software | - | [177] [178] | ||
| BNI Video | Video | $ | [179] [180] | ||
| NDS Group | Conditional Access | $ | [181] | ||
| Lightwire | Silicon Photonics | $ | |||
| Virtuata | Software Security | - | [182] | ||
| Cloupia | Cloud Services | $ | [183] | ||
| Meraki | Wired and Wireless Cloud Networking | $ | [184] | ||
| Cariden | Network planning, design and traffic management solutions for telecommunications service providers | $ | [185] | ||
| Intucell | Mobile Software | $ | [186] | ||
| Cognitive Security | Cyber Threat Protection | - | [187] | ||
| SolveDirect | Cloud services | $ | [188] | ||
| Ubiquisys | Mobile software | $ | [189] | ||
| JouleX | Energy Management | $ | [190] | ||
| Composite Software | Data Virtualization | $ | [191] | ||
| Sourcefire | Computer Security | $ | [192] [193] | ||
| BroadHop | Leading provider of next generation policy control and service management for carrier networks worldwide. | ||||
| Whiptail | Scalable solid state memory system provider | $ | [194] [195] | ||
| Insieme | Application-centric data center infrastructure | — | [196] | ||
| Collaborate.com | Mobile collaboration and cloud computing | — | [197] | ||
| Tetration Analytics | Data Center Analytics and Security Solution | — | |||
| ThreatGRID | Unified malware analysis and threat intelligence | — | [198] | ||
| Assemblage | Cloud collaboration software | — | [199] | ||
| Tail-f Systems | Network service orchestration solutions | — | [200] | ||
| Metacloud | Deploys and operates private clouds for global organizations with a unique OpenStack-as-a-Service model | — | [201] | ||
| Tropo | Provides development platform for real time communications | — | [202] | ||
| Neohapsis | Security Consulting | — | [203] | ||
| Embrane | Application-centric network services including firewalls (FW), virtual private networks (VPNs), load balancers (LB) and SSL offload engines | — | [204] | ||
| Piston Cloud Computing | Provides software that enables streamlined operational deployment of large scale distributed systems | — | [205] | ||
| OpenDNS | Cloud-delivered enterprise security service | $ | [206] | ||
| MaintenanceNet | Provides a cloud-based software platform that uses data analytics and automation to manage and scale attach and renewals of recurring customer contracts. | $ | [207] | ||
| Pawaa | Provides secure on-premise and cloud-based file sharing software. | — | |||
| 1 Mainstream | Offers a cloud-based video platform designed to quickly launch live and on-demand OTT video services to a variety of connected devices | — | [208] | ||
| ParStream | Realtime Edge Analytics Database for IoT | — | [209] | ||
| Acano | Acano provides collaboration infrastructure and conferencing software | $ | [210] | ||
| Lancope | Enhances Cisco's Security Everywhere strategy. | $ | [211] | ||
| Jasper Technologies | Developers of an Internet of Things cloud platform | $ | [212] | ||
| CliQr Technologies | Application defined cloud orchestration platform | $ | [213] | ||
| Leaba Semiconductor | Fabless Semiconductor | $ | [214] | ||
| CloudLock | Cloud-Security Provider | $ | [215] | ||
| Heroik Labs, Inc / Worklife | Meeting productivity | ||||
| AppDynamics | Application Performance Management | $ | [216] | ||
| Viptela Inc. | Software-defined WAN | $ | [217] | ||
| MindMeld Inc. | Conversational Artificial Intelligence | $ | [218] | ||
| Observable Networks, Inc. | Cloud-Security Provider | — | [219] | ||
| Springpath Inc | Hyper-converged Data Platform | $320,000,000 | [220] | ||
| Perspica, Inc. | Machine Learning | — | [221] | ||
| BroadSoft | Cloud Collaboration and Contact Center Platform | $ | [222] | ||
| Cmpute.io (47Line Technologies) | software solution to analyze cloud-deployed workloads and consumption patterns for cost-optimization strategies | — | [223] | ||
| Skyport Systems | Cloud managed secure edge compute server platform | — | [224] | ||
| Accompany | Develops a relationship intelligence platform and has built one of the richest databases of decision makers in the world | — | [225] | ||
| July Systems | Cloud-based mobile experience and location services | — | [226] | ||
| Ensoft Ltd | Software solutions for service provider networks |  United Kingdom | — | [227] | |
| Duo Security | Cloud-based Cyber-Security | $ | [228] | ||
| Luxtera | Privately-held semiconductor company | — | [229] | ||
| Singularity Networks | Network Analytics Company | — | [230] | ||
| Sentryo | Cybersecurity for the Industrial Internet | — | [231] | ||
| Acacia Communications | Optical Interconnects | $ | [232] | ||
| Voicea | Meeting transcription, voice search, and meeting highlights/action items | ||||
| Fluidmesh Networks | Wireless mesh networks | [233] | |||
| ThousandEyes | Cloud & Internet Intelligence for Enterprises and Service Providers | $ | [234] | ||
| Modcam | Video analytics | — | [235] | ||
| BabbleLabs | Computer audio background noise reduction software | — | [236] | ||
| Portshift | Computer application security solutions | — | [237] | ||
| Banzai Cloud | Secure cloud-native application deployment | — | [238] | ||
| IMImobile | Cloud communications software | $ | [239] | ||
| Sedona Systems | Cross-Domain Network Controller | — | [240] | ||
| Kenna Security | Risk-based Vulnerability Management | — | [241] | ||
| Socio Labs | Event technology platform | — | [242] | ||
| Syrmia Networks | Embedded System Software | — | [243] | ||
| Valtix | Cloud network security | — | [244] | ||
| Lightspin | Cloud security | — | [245] | ||
| Armorblox | AI-powered threat detection | — | [246] | ||
| Accedian | High Performance Service Assurance | — | [247] | ||
| Oort | Identity security and management | — | [248] | ||
| Cybersecurity and Observability | $ | [249] | |||
| Isovalent | Cloud Networking and Security | — | [250] | ||