Verizon Acquires CloudSwitch for Cloud Migration Technology

Verizon announced the acquisition of cloud software developer CloudSwitch in a move designed to simplify cloud migrations and boost adoption. Intriguingly, the telecommunications giant plans to integrate CloudSwitch with Terremark, the cloud services provider whose acquisition kicked off Verizon’s 2011.

CloudSwitch’s value to Verizon is in its “breakthrough software that enables enterprises to more easily and securely move applications, or workloads, between company data centers and the cloud without changing the application or the infrastructure layer,” according to the press release. In other words, Verizon is looking to boost its hybrid cloud and cloud-to-cloud play.

A key part of the value proposition, Verizon said, is enterprises get tighter control around their cloud migrations, while also extending security to cloud applications and data. Moreover, administrators retain the same level of control over cloud applications as they would for on-premises.

John McEleney, CEO of CloudSwitch, praised the merger in a prepared statement:

Actual details on the acquisition are scant: We don’t know how much Verizon is paying for CloudSwitch, or when the deal officially closes (if it hasn’t already). Nor do we know whether Verizon will be keeping CloudSwitch’s existing employees and management team.

But what we do know is that with this acquisition, Verizon is investing in Terremark’s future, and by extension, the future of its cloud play. Will it give Verizon a competitive edge against its fellow A-list telecom competitors such as Time Warner, which acquired NaviSite for the same reasons? Stay tuned to TalkinCloud for more updates.