NetScout Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: NTCT) can't keep its hands out of its wallet these days. The network and applications assurance specialist has acquired OnPATH Technologies for an undisclosed sum to further bolster its network monitoring switch capabilities.

OnPATH's platform, developed by a team that was spun out of Brocade Communications Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: BRCD) in 2007, will add "support for high-density 10, 40 and 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity," according to NetScout.

It also gains a test automation business, which will operate as a new NetScout unit. OnPATH's network monitoring switch technology will be integrated into NetScout's nGenius Packet Flow Switch platform.

The move comes only months after NetScout added to its Service Provider Information Technology (SPIT) capabilities with the acquisition of probe assets from Accanto Systems and less than a year after it bought IP network monitoring switch specialist Simena.

Why this matters
NetScout is already a giant in the networks and service assurance market, but network operators are increasingly looking to their Service Provider IT (SPIT) vendors to provide them with new and better capabilities that boost performance, efficiency and customer experience, so it will likely come under increasing pressure from rivals.

This acquisition, along with the Accanto and Simena deals, looks like the action of a company that's determined to stay ahead of the pack by using its fiscal strength to purchase mature technologies that add to its portfolio.

In fact, NetScout makes a point in its acquisition announcement of noting that the OnPATH deal "builds on the successful acquisition and integration of Simena ... and will accelerate time-to-market for industry-leading ultra low latency and high density network monitoring switch solutions."

It's worth noting, on that point, that Brocade, the vendor that spun off OnPATH five years ago, recently unveiled plans to branch into network monitoring. (See Brocade Finds Another Use for Routers.)

For more

• NetScout Adds Cable Focus
  
• NetScout Pockets Accanto's Probes
  
• NetScout Boosts IT Monitoring Smarts
  
• NetScout Picked as Leading Lights Finalist

— Ray Le Maistre, International Managing Editor, Light Reading