In a continuous pursuit to fortify its technological prowess, Cisco has embarked on an acquisition spree, with the latest addition being cloud native mobile core developer Working Group Two (WG2). This strategic move marks Cisco’s fifth acquisition since June and the ninth this year, demonstrating its commitment to evolving technology landscapes. The acquisition aims to bolster Cisco’s mobile core technology and enhance its Mobility Services platform, enabling the delivery of advanced mobile services globally at scale.
Cisco’s Acquisition Strategy
Cisco’s acquisition strategy is a testament to its determination to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech world. In a series of calculated moves, Cisco has acquired a diverse range of companies that complement its existing offerings and contribute to its growth. The acquisition of WG2 aligns perfectly with Cisco’s endeavor to provide comprehensive solutions for the ever-expanding mobile services sector.
Cisco’s acquisition strategy is not just a casual approach; it’s a well-thought-out plan to augment its capabilities and market presence. In the fiscal year 2023 alone, Cisco has made a total of nine acquisitions, demonstrating its commitment to strategic expansion. These acquisitions cover a spectrum of technology domains, reinforcing everything from BGP support, security, and application performance to AI development.
Elevating Mobile Core Technology
Working Group Two (WG2) brings to the table a wealth of expertise in the mobile domain, particularly in building secure and scalable mobile backbones. This expertise is set to become an integral part of Cisco’s Mobility Services platform, which offers a full-stack cloud-native converged core network and distributed edge support. With the Mobility Services platform, Cisco aims to simplify the deployment, management, and delivery of new mobile services on a global scale. This platform is designed to seamlessly incorporate technologies like 5G, edge computing, and cloud services, catering to the growing demands of the modern mobile landscape.
The Synergy of Expertise: Cisco and WG2
The collaboration between Cisco and WG2 is not entirely new. Cisco has previously provided support to WG2 and the two entities have jointly offered an AWS-hosted cloud-managed mobile network since 2019. This familiarity with WG2’s technology and capabilities likely played a significant role in Cisco’s decision to acquire the company.
Aiming for Simplification, Efficiency, and Innovation
Masum Mir, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Cisco Networking’s Provider Mobility business, emphasized the significance of the acquisition in terms of simplification, innovation, and efficiency. WG2’s platform, built on web-scale principles and operating models, complements Cisco’s Mobility Services Platform seamlessly. This synergy is expected to enhance service edge deployment, drive API-first strategies for application development partners, and provide enterprises with advanced use cases.
Catering to Diverse Needs
The expertise brought in by WG2 is poised to address a range of enterprise needs. This includes authentication, provisioning, voice, messaging, and data services. These services will be integrated into Cisco’s existing Control Center offerings, ultimately streamlining mobile network deployments and supporting application development in a simplified manner. This multi-faceted approach aligns with the industry’s evolving requirements, where flexibility and scalability are key considerations.
The Road Ahead: Cisco’s Dynamic Acquisition Landscape
Cisco’s recent acquisition of Working Group Two is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The company’s acquisition strategy is multi-dimensional, aimed at enhancing various aspects of its technology offerings. From BGP support, security, and application performance to AI development, Cisco’s acquisitions reflect a forward-looking approach to staying relevant in a rapidly changing tech environment.
Pioneering Transformation in Mobile Core
As Cisco continues its pursuit of innovation through strategic acquisitions, the acquisition of Working Group Two stands out as a move to reshape the future of mobile core technology. By integrating WG2’s expertise into its Mobility Services platform, Cisco is positioned to drive advancements in mobile services, edge computing, and cloud technologies. This acquisition underscores Cisco’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the technology landscape, delivering solutions that cater to the dynamic needs of the modern world.
