Emerging Vendors 2018: Networking, VoIP And UC Companies You Need To Know

Connecting With Opportunity

IT environments are evolving, expanding into cloud and hybrid systems, and straining to process ever greater volumes of data. And the corporate networks that underlay those systems are evolving as well.

That has given rise to new networking technologies, including SD-WAN and intent-based networking, to handle the growing demands on today's corporate networks. Many of those technologies are coming from startups – some looking to find a niche between industry heavyweights like Cisco systems and others boldly trying to compete head-to-head with them.

As part of CRN's 2018 Emerging Vendors list, here are 9 hot networking, VoIP and unified communications startups, all founded in 2012 or later, that solution providers should be aware of.

Apstra

Founded: 2014

Top Executive: Founder, CEO Mansour Karam

Emerging vendor details: /rankings-and-lists/ev2018-details.htm?c=47

Apstra's intent-based networking and intent-based analytics products are designed to help eliminate complexities and inefficiencies within data center network operations, improving Capex and Opex spending and boosting capacity.

Aviatrix Systems

Founded: 2014

Top Executive: CEO Steven Mih

Emerging vendor details: /rankings-and-lists/ev2018-details.htm?c=48

Aviatrix is a pioneer in hybrid and multi-cloud networking, developing software-defined products for secure, automated routing for the cloud era. The startup's products are purpose-built for AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform public clouds.

Cato Networks

Founded: 2015

Top Executive: Co-Founder, CEO Shlomo Kramer

Emerging vendor details: /rankings-and-lists/ev2018-details.htm?c=49

Cato Networks provides organizations with a cloud-based, secure global SD-WAN that connects locations, people and data. The startup's technology improves connectivity to cloud applications, provides secure internet access, eliminates branch appliances, and integrates mobile users and cloud data centers into a WAN.

GreenLink Networks

Founded: 2015

Top Executive: Co-Founder, CEO Mayron Herrera

Emerging vendor details: /rankings-and-lists/ev2018-details.htm?c=50

GreenLink Networks is a business phone service provider, offering its Cloud Phone System solution and SIP trunking services. Selling exclusively through channel partners, the company provides customers with options to buy or rent equipment or use their own.

Kentik

Founded: 2014

Top Executive: Co-Founder, CEO Avi Freedman

Emerging vendor details: /rankings-and-lists/ev2018-details.htm?c=51

Kentik's technology analyzes network traffic and turns it into real-time intelligence for business and IT operations, optimizing the performance and security of their networks. In April the company won a patent for its Kentik Data Engine for network monitoring, anomaly detection and operational analytics.

Mist Systems

Founded: 2014

Top Executive: Co-Founder, CEO Sujai Hajela

Emerging vendor details: /rankings-and-lists/ev2018-details.htm?c=52

Mist has developed what it calls a self-learning, artificial-intelligence-driven wireless platform for the smart device era. The Mist Learning Wireless LAN simplifies Wi-Fi operations and troubleshooting through automation and insight.

NetBeez

Founded: 2013

Top Executive: CEO Stefano Gridelli

Emerging vendor details: /rankings-and-lists/ev2018-details.htm?c=53

NetBeez monitors LAN, WAN and Wi-Fi networks from the user perspective, measuring and reporting KPIs of service quality. The platform relies on hardware and software monitoring sensors that continuously test connectivity and application performance. The company primarily targets midsize and enterprise companies in the U.S.

SnapRoute

Founded: 2015

Top Executive: CEO Dominic Wilde

Emerging vendor details: /rankings-and-lists/ev2018-details.htm?c=54

SnapRoute develops FlexSwitch, a network OS that allows every component of the network stack to be fully visible to the operator, fully accessible for APIs and completely modular. That makes it possible for operators and developers to manage the network using whatever methods and tools they choose.

Versa Networks

Founded: 2012

Top Executive: CEO Kelly Ahuja

Emerging vendor details: /rankings-and-lists/ev2018-details.htm?c=55

Versa Networks' primary product is the Versa Cloud IP platform for SD-Routing, SD-WAN, SD-Security and SD-Branch. The platform, managed through Versa Director, includes advanced SD-WAN capabilities, routing, virtualization support, network analytics and next-generation security. Versa targets midsize and large enterprises and MSPs.