Net6

Net6 was a startup founded in 2000 that created products in Security, Voice over IP VoIP protocols and SSL VPN.

History

Net6 was originally called WebUnwired and was founded in 2000 by Murli Thirumale (an Ex VP and GM at Hewlett Packard),[1] Goutham Rao (an Operating Systems Architect at Intel), Jon Thies and Russell Lentini. Thirumale was the CEO of Net6 and Rao was the CTO and Chief Architect. The company originally focused on secure application access from mobile devices, and later shifted focus toward VoIP protocols[2] and SSL VPN technology. The company created two hardware appliances called the Application Gateway for VoIP and the Access Gateway for SSL VPNs.[3]

Partnerships

Net6 secured OEM deals for its product lines in 2000 from Cisco Systems.[4] In 2002 and 2003, Net6 added further OEMs for its product lines from Nortel Networks,[5] Avaya Systems[6] and Siemens.[7] Net6 primarily sold its products through their partner channels.

Funding
  • In 2000, Net6, then known as WebUnwired secured $8M in series 'A' funding from Sierra Ventures and Olympic Venture Partners.[1]
  • In 2004, Net6 raised an additional $8M in series B funding from Bank of America venture partners.[1]

Acquisition

In December 2004, Net6 Inc was acquired by Citrix Systems for $50M.[8][9] The acquisition marked Citrix's entry into the telecommunications security space, and Citrix continues to market the Access Gateway product under the Citrix Access Gateway(tm) product name, led by the management team of Murli Thirumale (CEO), Goutham Rao (CTO), Russell Lentini and Jon Thies (Principal Architects), Gordon Payne (VP of Marketing) and Joe Eskew (VP of Sales).

Recognition

References
  1. Pimentel, Benjamin (2003-09-15). "Back at the helm: Tenacity, experience prized as failed CEOs get another shot to head startups". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on 2011-05-25. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
  2. Reardon, Marguerite (2004-09-07). "Start-up says it can deliver secure VoIP". CNET News. Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
  3. "Net6 Appliance Brings Apps to Phones". eWeek. 2002-08-12. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
  4. "Net6 Joins the Cisco AVVID Partner Program; Net6 Transformation Gateway Meets Cisco AVVID Program Requirements for Interoperability" (abstract only) (Press release). Net6. 2003-05-20. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
  5. "Nortel Enhances IP PBX" (Press release). Nortel Networks. 2003-06-09. Archived from the original on 2012-02-22. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
  6. "Avaya and Net6 team to light-up the screens of IP Telephones with high value business apps". EDP Weekly's IT Monitor. 2006-12-16. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
  7. "Net6 Delivers Information Appliance Functionality to Siemens optiPoint IP Phones" (abstract only) (Press release). Net6. 2003-05-19. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
  8. "Citrix buying VPN company Net6 for $50 million". IDG News Service. 2004-11-23. Archived from the original on 2007-10-08. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
  9. "Citrix Expands Its Access Infrastructure Leadership with Acquisition of Net6, Innovator in Secure Access Gateways" (Press release). Citrix Systems. 2004-11-23. Archived from the original on 2012-02-06. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
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