Barefoot Networks

Barefoot Networks is an American developer of switching chips and software that are designed to improve networks in data centers. The company also created the PISA (Protocol Independent Switch Architecture) architecture, which provides developers with the ability to develop and update network products at the software level.

History

2023: Project closure

At the end of January 2023, it became known that Intel had decided to curtail the development of the Tofino series of network processors. The reasons are sharply deteriorated financial indicators and a difficult macroeconomic situation. Read more here.

2019: Intel bought Barefoot Networks

On June 10, 2019, Intel announced its acquisition of Barefoot Networks. The company decided not to disclose the value of the transaction. With this purchase, the American processor giant will replenish its product portfolio with fast switching chips, as well as a fully programmable switching platform independent of network protocols. This, in turn, will allow Intel to compete with Broadcom, which leads the Ethernet chip market.

Intel Executive Vice President Navin Shenoy wrote on the company's official blog that Barefoot Networks will be "an excellent addition to our connector offerings."

Intel bought a developer of chips and software to improve communication in data centers

The top manager noted that the company now hopes to solve the problem of analyzing gigantic amounts of data in order to reveal their full potential. In addition, with the deal, Intel will offer the network infrastructure needed to move this information between different data centers.

According to Constellation Research analyst Holger Mueller , the takeover of Barefoot Networks will benefit Intel, since the company's server division can remain competitive only if the chipmaker finds a way to equip infrastructure providers for public clouds with the necessary equipment.

Barefoot Networks will give Intel many of the desired network functions to run modern data centers, which are increasingly determined by software rather than hardware, the expert added.[1]

Notes