infoTECH Feature

June 21, 2013

Will Cumulus Linux Disrupt the Network Marketplace as It Hopes to?

Cumulus Networks announced on Wednesday the release of its own version of Linux for use on compatible network switches. The company's previously secretive project has been revealed as Cumulus Linux, and is expected to have a large impact on the networking industry to the point that some refer to the product as a 'Cisco (News - Alert) killer.'

What's unconventional about this approach is that in its quest to compete with companies like Cisco, Cumulus is selling software rather than hardware. Cumulus Linux is a modified version of the Debian open source OS, which is in turn based on Linux.

A Cumulus Linux solution consists of software installed on any of numerous models of white box switches. With this kind of switch, it doesn't matter who makes the switch as long as it is compatible with Cumulus Linux.

Using such generic hardware should result in lower costs than proprietary installations. According to Cumulus, their solution gives 10G performance at a 1G price.

By itself, the concept of Linux running on a network switch has been done before. Cisco's 300 Series of switches targeted for small businesses ran on Linux. Software vendors like Wind River (News - Alert) and Montavista have also provided versions of Linux for networking hardware.

According to Cumulus, these vendors are not providing the same thing.

"Very few people have a relationship with an ODM (Original Device Manufacturer) to get hardware without software on it," said J.D. Rivers, CEO of Cumulus.

Will Cumulus Linux turn the networking market on its ear as some claim? Skeptics point out that larger companies like Cisco could crush a startup like Cumulus if the competition was all about price. There's also nothing stopping the big networking companies from developing a Linux OS and white box switches either.

Cumulus may also have to overcome a common corporate mindset. The old adage that you won't get fired for buying IBM applied to Microsoft (News - Alert) for PC software and likely applies to Cisco when it comes to networking hardware.

Nevertheless, Cumulus has developed something that has not been done on a wide scale before and that should appeal to customers wanting more flexibility in configuring their switches. The potential for Cumulus Linux to dominate in niche markets is great, but to call it a 'Cisco killer' seems premature.




Edited by Alisen Downey
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