5 Companies That Came To Win This Week
For the week ending July 8 CRN takes a look at the companies that brought their ‘A’ game to the channel.
The Week Ending July 8
Topping this week’s Came to Win list is IBM for a strategic acquisition in the data observability space.
Also making this week’s list are N-able for its own savvy acquisition in the Microsoft cloud arena, Broadcom for passing a milestone in its bid to acquire VMware, cybersecurity startup Swimlane for an impressive funding round, and Intel for proceeding with its plan to build an advanced chip manufacturing facility in Ohio.
IBM Goes Big On Data Observability With Databand Acquisition
IBM has made a move to expand its “DataOps” data management and governance portfolio with its acquisition of data observability technology provider Databand.
Israel-based Databand develops a “proactive” data observability platform for monitoring the health and quality of data used for operational and analytical tasks. AI and machine learning systems also rely on high-quality data to function effectively.
IBM expects to use Databand to strengthen its overall data management, AI and automation software offerings. Data observability software like Databand essentially adapt DevOps principles for DataOps purposes. Businesses and organizations use Databand to identify, troubleshoot and resolve data issues in near- real time.
IBM disclosed the acquisition this week, although it actually closed the deal on June 27.
N-able To Drive Microsoft 365, Azure Sales With Spinpanel Acquisition
Sticking with the topic of strategic acquisitions, N-able is taking its Microsoft cloud business to the next level for its community of more than 25,000 MSPs by acquiring Spinpanel, which specializes in managing, automating and selling Microsoft 365 and Azure solutions.
Microsoft partners use Spinpanel tools to reduce complexity, optimize the use and value of their Microsoft cloud products, and profitably scale their Microsoft business.
Spinpanel, based in the Netherlands, operates a multitenant Microsoft 365 management and automation platform that Microsoft cloud service providers use to automate provisioning, security and management for Microsoft tenants, users and licenses in a single, consolidated hub.
Broadcom Gets One Step Closer To VMware Acquisition
A 40-day “go-shop” period in Broadcom’s agreement to buy VMware ended this week with no new offers, eliminating one possible hurdle to the $61 billion acquisition.
During the negotiated go-shop period VMware could entertain offers from other potential suitors. That could have set off a bidding war for virtualization tech giant VMware and—at the very least— delayed Broadcom’s timetable to complete the acquisition by the end of its fiscal 2023.
No other offers have emerged. VMware’s board has approved the deal, as has Michael Dell, VMware’s chairman and largest shareholder. But the acquisition still faces hurdles including winning approval from U.S. and European regulators.
Cybersecurity Startup Swimlane Raises $70M For Global Expansion
Security automation startup Swimlane raised an impressive $70 million in Series C funding this week as the company prepares for a major expansion of its channel business.
The company will use the cash infusion for a number of purposes, including expanding its marketing and partnership programs on a global scale.
Around 70 percent to 75 percent of Swimlane’s business in North America is through the channel. But the company will rely heavily on channel partners as it expands into Europe and Asia.
Intel Takes Next Steps In Building Ohio Semiconductor Fab
Intel has acquired the land near Columbus, Ohio, where it plans to build advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities, the chipmaker confirmed this week.
The company has begun preparing the approximately 750-acre site where initial plans call for building two semiconductor manufacturing plants.
Word of the development activity follows recent reports that Intel was delaying the project because the U.S. Congress hasn’t appropriated funding for the U.S. semiconductor industry under the CHIPS For America Act. That legislation provides tax credits for American microchip manufacturers and allocates $50 billion for chip fabrication incentives. Some of that appropriation is expected to help fund the construction of the Ohio facility.
An Intel spokesperson did say that the company is postponing an official ceremony at the site while it awaits the funding but is proceeding with the site preparation work. The new world-class manufacturing facility is expected to reduce Intel’s reliance on third-party fabs for manufacturing.