Pica8 Inc., the leader in open systems for software defined networking (SDN), announced it was recently named one of the "10 Coolest Networking Startups of 2013" by Computer Reseller News (CRN) capping an impressive year marked by several innovative announcements and strategic partnerships.

In 2013, Pica8 announced an important original design manufacturing (ODM) agreement with Accton Technology Corp. expanding its hardware ecosystem. As part of Pica8's desire do drive agility in the data center through open programmability, an Open Data Center Framework leveraging OpenFlow was launched. Earlier in the year, Pica8 also partnered with NCLC and NTT Data to offer system integration services for end-to-end SDN solutions in the Japan market.

Most recently in December, according to Kristin Bent of CRN, "the startup launched the Open SDN Starter Kit, an "out-of-the-box" kit that includes an open-source network controller, a programmable network tap, an open-source network intrusion detection, and other components meant to give customers a complete SDN solution "that doesn't take months to implement.""

"Being recognized as a 'cool' technology company shows that our approach to democratize SDN by bringing together white box switches and leveraging open source Debian Linux, OpenFlow and Open vSwitch (OVS) is resonating with network administrators and others who need to more centrally manage network activity and provide distributed intelligence throughout the network," said James Liao, CEO and co-founder of Pica8. "We're excited to continue our growth in 2014 as the market recognizes that truly deployable and affordable SDN solutions are clearly within reach."

For Pica8 company news, click here.

About Pica8, Inc.

Since 2009, Pica8 has been transforming the data center by providing the world's first open switching system, which can be personalized to fit any application environment. A pioneer in the software-defined networking (SDN) revolution, Pica8's PicOS TM, its externally programmable switching operating system runs on commodity, bare-metal switches made by ODM partners to provide the ultimate in cost savings. In a single package, costs are slashed and customization for the data center becomes a promise fulfilled. Pica8 is a global company headquartered in Palo Alto, California. For more information, visit www.pica8.com.

Pica8
Steve Garrison, 415-205-8566
steve@pica8.com