Amazon, VCE And DNA

Cisco made a big splash in the software-defined WAN market by unveiling its plan to acquire SD-WAN startup Viptela for $610 million.

The San Jose, Calif.-based startup, who CRN predicted would be acquired by Cisco, has closer ties to the networking giant than one might think – with many of its leaders having spent years at Cisco in various executive roles including founders Amir Khan and Khalid Raza. Partners also need to know about Viptela's channel strategy, Amazon partnership and market opportunity the acquisition presents to the channel.

Here are 10 things you need to know about Cisco's acquisition of Viptela, who was named multiple times over the past three years in CRN's 10 Coolest Networking Startups.