The Richardson, Texas-based Navini is a leader in mobile WiMAX 802.11e-2005, announcing during the week that it had signed a definitive acquisition agreement with Cisco.
Navini has been a pioneer in the integration of “smart beamforming” technologies with Multi-Input, Multi-Output (MIMO) antennaes, a combination that improves WiMAX performance and range while lowering operational costs for service providers.
Cisco said in a statement that Navini’s products would extend Cisco’s WiFI and WiFI-Mesh product range. The company said it expects the broadband wireless market to be one of the fastest growing and that Navini expertise would help realise its IP Next Generation Network (IP NGN) plans.
After years talking down WiMAX systems, Cisco has changed its view of the technology.
Cisco senior vice-president and Service Provider Technology Group general manager Tony Bates said WiMAX had matured, and that Cisco had been listening to the demands of its customers.
“Recently, the WiMAX radio systems to deliver broadband wireless have matured, customers are deploying live networks, and overall investment and demand as increased,” Mr Bates said. “Therefore, Cisco views this as the proper time to add licensed WiMAX products to our broadband wireless offer.”
“Also, given the IP-centric nature of the WiMAX technology, it is a natural fit for Cisco's strategy, experience, expertise, and IP NGN product portfolio,” he said.
“Licensed WiMAX radio systems represent a strategic opportunity for Cisco to quickly address the pent-up demand for broadband connectivity in emerging countries where penetrations are comparatively low.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco will pay approximately $330 million in cash and assumed options. The Navini acquisition is subject to various standard closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of Cisco's 2008 fiscal year.
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