Juniper buys Acorn

Juniper Networks has acquired Acorn Packet Solutions in a deal intended to sweeten Juniper's network technologies for federal customers.

Acorn develops technologies to connect legacy time-division multiplexing applications across new IP networks. TDM is a data transmission technology that sends multiple streams of data through a single circuit. Acorn's products enable systems using the legacy technology to interact with IP networks.

Acorn's solutions, which also apply to other circuit-based technologies such as serial encryption, allow agencies to continue to use the older systems while making the migration to IP networks.

"With Acorn Packet Solutions, Juniper gains best-in-class technology and deep expertise to help customers effect this transition smoothly and cost-effectively,” said Carol Mills, executive vice president and general manager of Juniper's Infrastructure Products Group, in a written statement.

Juniper paid about $8.7 million for Acorn. Acorn's revenue was less than $1 million in fiscal 2004.

“Acorn has done an excellent job of differentiating itself in the federal market as a leader in circuit to IP migration," said Thomas Kreidler, Juniper's vice president of federal systems, in a written statement. "With this acquisition, Juniper is demonstrating its continued commitment to supporting the federal government in rearchitecting its mission critical networks.”