VMware Bolsters Net Virtualization With Arkin Deal
Looking to bolster its network virtualization and security platform targeting software-defined datacenters, VMware said it is acquiring SDDC security and operations specialist Arkin Net to help extend its vRealize suite to handle applications across computing, storage and datacenter networks.
VMware (NYSE: VMW), said Monday (June 13) the deal for Arkin Net, Santa Clara, Calif., is expected to close by the end of the second quarter. Financial terms were not disclosed.
VMware, Palo Alto, Calif., said the acquisition would help extend its NSX network virtualization platform it claims is gaining traction in large enterprise production deployments in software-defined datacenters. Among the early adopters are the Tribune Media and the University of Mexico.
VMware added that Arkin Net is "purpose-built for NSX environments," adding that its platform could be used to monitor datacenter traffic flows via tools that also would speed NSX deployments via an approach called micro-segmentation planning.
Network virtualization deployments are often slowed as enterprises struggle to determine the best way to divide, or micro-segment, applications running on their networks. VMware asserted that the Arkin Net deal would address this challenge by providing a clearer picture of converged operations in datacenters. The combined approach would allow NSX users to categorized virtual machines in groups based on specific computing and networking requirements.
"It then automatically generates a recommended model for what security groups to create, and the specific firewalling rules for each group," VMware explained
"Arkin brings two important capabilities to VMware," the company also noted in a blog post announcing the deal. "It extends the cross-domain visibility of VMware vRealize operations to more of the SDDC infrastructure. From compute and storage to networking and security – across network overlays and underlays."
The company also emphasized that the acquisition would help extend its vRealize suite across software-defined datacenters, including its NSX network virtualization layer. The goal is a cloud management platform "that delivers application-focused operations, NSX micro-segmentation at scale and cross-domain visibility and context across physical and logical infrastructure," the company said.
Along with modeling, the addition of Arkin Net's platform also would help automate auditing and compliance for NSX. The platform tracks and analyzes the relationships between virtual machines and security groups, then generates alerts if it spots a deviation from a desired compliance state.
Arkin has worked closely with VMware since its launch in 2013. The security and operations platform specialist raised $22 million in two equity-funding rounds, the latest in June 2015. Investors included Nexus Venture Partners along with several industry veterans, including B.V. Jagadeesh, the former CEO of NetScaler.
Arkin was cited in April by market analyst Gartner Inc. as an emerging company as part of its annual "Cool Vendors in Enterprise Networking" rankings.
