The article I read was about Cato Networks which is a startup company that emerged early on in 2016. The company provides software-based networking solutions to businesses through a cloud overlay. Essentially, Cato’s business plan revolves around providing networking solutions without requiring companies to purchase any complex hardware. Instead, Cato’s software can be downloaded and it will make the necessary changes to pre-existing networking devices (routers and switches). The company recently raised $30 million to fund global expansion.
Reading this article brought several things to mind. First, although I know the move to cloud-based technologies and the prevalence of software over hardware is a growing trend, I never thought of its application to networking. I think the success of Cato Networks shows the diversity of the application of cloud based technologies, but it also raises a few questions. For example, what problems might arise over Cato’s software being incompatible with network devices? Additionally, what precautions does Cato have to detect these scenarios? Will different risks arise due to software and hardware incompatibilities? Cato’s implementation of the cloud is interesting and has been lucrative so far, but I’m interested to see how this company and other similar companies fare as cloud technologies continue to mature.
Article: http://www.eweek.com/security/security-startup-cato-networks-raises-30m-to-expand-globally.html
The knowledge to keep up security is compounded year after year, making it extremely hard for small companies to even feel safe except by obscurity. I think we’re going to see a lot of companies spring up like this who perform one cyber-security function and sell it.
I also have a hard time understanding what Cato is trying to do. It sounds like their software is either interfacing with known router firmwares and checking all the right boxes for you like a wizard, or Cato is replacing firmware on multiple devices which sounds rather scary. I am not worried about them figuring out hardware compatibility as there are only a few different companies that make routers and corporations often converge on similar models.
Hello Noah- this is a great example of how technology is shifting to a new direction and how appliances that costed thousands of dollars at one point, they are worth hundreds or less now.
Cloud computing and the migration to cloud based technology is growing so fast that in a few years it’ll become the standard, the question is: is it better that network devises/more secured?
Thank you.
Roberto.