Opsware completes Rendition acquisition

Opsware, a provider of utility computing and automation software, has completed the acquisition of Rendition Networks, Opsware officials announced today.

Rendition provides network automation software, which complements Opsware's information technology automation products, said Ben Horowitz, president and chief executive officer of Opsware.

The integration of the two companies will result in a suite of products for the management of Web-based applications. The products will allow users to manage change across an application infrastructure, accounting for a diverse set of server platforms, software components and network devices, Horowitz said.

"With the addition of network automation, Opsware manages the most costly parts of the data center environment," he said in a written statement. "Demand for this powerful combination is evident based on the interest we've seen from within our own customer base, as well as by new prospects in need of a comprehensive IT automation solution. The addition of Rendition's automation capabilities gives us a significant competitive advantage."

The transaction is valued at about $15 million in cash and 2.68 million shares of Opsware stock, for a total value of about $30 million, officials said.