"Cloud computing represents a significant opportunity for Cisco customers to create more effective business models and increase the operating efficiency of the network," said Jesper Andersen, senior vice president of Cisco's Network Management Technology Group (NMTG), as Cisco this week announced its intent to acquire privately held LineSider Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of network management software that "helps customers build the network services necessary to securely create and deploy cloud computing infrastructure."

"With the acquisition of LineSider," Anderson continued, "Cisco will gain a key component to helping customers make this shift."

Based in Danvers, MA, LineSider will be bringing to Cisco advanced network management software that integrates both physical and virtual network services with a policy-based approach and makes networks more flexible and responsive to change. This - said Cisco in an announcement - will enhance its ability to rapidly provision network services.

The announcement added:

"A partner-centric approach remains a cornerstone of Cisco's strategy in the cloud computing space, and LineSider's technology will strengthen Cisco's ability to work with a broad community of software partners, particularly within the service management space."

Upon the close of the acquisition, Andersen explained, the LineSider team will become part of his NMT Group. Financial terms of the transaction are undisclosed.

The acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions and is expected to be complete in the second quarter of Cisco's fiscal year 2011.

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