SnapRoute and Canonical create new switch stack for network operators

Redefining the economics of data center networking through disaggregation of hardware, operating system, and software components.

SnapRoute and Canonical announced today an integrated network stack, creating a rock solid software foundation for white-box and brite-box switch deployments in large environments. FlexSwitch from SnapRoute is a modern, micro-services architecture switch control plane, and Canonical’s Ubuntu is the most widely trusted OS in enterprise cloud computing.

The FlexSwitch+Ubuntu stack is certified on multiple white-box switches including the Facebook Wedge 100. It dramatically simplifies deployment and operations for out-of-band management, top-of-rack, leaf, and spine networks since the switch control software can be deployed as a normal Ubuntu application in the datacenter. The move to Ubuntu brings a new degree of freedom to the white-box switch market thanks to its huge cloud software ecosystem.

FlexSwitch deployment is fully automated with Canonical’s MAAS (‘Metal as a Service’), enabling top-to-bottom data center provisioning.

Udi Nachmany, Vice President of Cloud Alliances, Canonical
“Network Operators demand visibility and control of all aspects of their infrastructure. The combination of the familiar and widely trusted Ubuntu OS, and SnapRoute’s pioneering FlexSwitch, raises the bar on security, operational control and network stack innovation.”

Jason Forrester, Founder and CEO, SnapRoute
“We strongly believe that open networks are synonymous to good networks. Combining Ubuntu and FlexSwitch on a white-box platform of choice delivers network architects a reliable and simple alternative to closed, traditional switch platforms while providing choice and flexibility to leverage the vast universe of Linux-based software and tools right on the switch. This is the future of networking.”

For further information please visit www.ubuntu.com and www.snaproute.com

About SnapRoute
Founded by engineers who created and reliably operated some of the largest data center networks on the planet by adopting open networking principles, SnapRoute is dedicated to bringing simplicity, reliability, and white-box economics to data center networks everywhere. SnapRoute’s FlexSwitch software runs on industry standard white-box switches, providing all management and networking functionality through an innovative architecture that simplifies the networking stack and dramatically reduces the code bloat typical of incumbent products. SnapRoute makes it easy to automate network provisioning while giving unprecedented visibility into how the network is running. SnapRoute is backed by Norwest Venture Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, AT&T, and Microsoft. For more information visit www.snaproute.com. Follow us on Twitter: @snaproute