Acquisitions

SAN JOSE, Calif. – October 24, 2023 – Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO)

Today, Cisco has completed the acquisition of WG2, a Norway-based software vendor that spun out of Telenor in 2017 to build a fully cloud-native, global, and programmable mobile core platform that can be consumed as-a-Service by mobile operators. WG2’s innovation enables mobile network operators (MNOs), mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), and private network operators to have a secure, scalable, and reliable telco connectivity backbone that scales across all generations of mobile technologies.

Q: Why did Cisco choose WG2? 
A: WG2 will enable Cisco to accelerate the long-term growth strategy of modernizing mobile software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform solutions that are highly distributed and globally deployable. The three main drivers for this acquisition include:

1. Making our mobility services portfolio more comprehensive
2. Accelerating our go-to-market capabilities with a pre-existing serviceable platform
3. Enhancing existing offerings (i.e., voice and SMS (Short Message Service) for private 5G.  

Q: Why is now the right time to acquire WG2? 
A: Cisco is expanding our Mobility Services Platform to help service providers capitalize on the massive growth in connected devices for consumers and enterprises. By integrating WG2’s technology, Cisco will enhance our Mobility Services Platform with offers beyond IoTaaS and private 5G solutions with new capabilities. With capabilities from WG2 integrated within the platform, existing offers will be enriched with new capabilities, enabling new market opportunities, and adding new offers focused on enterprise connectivity. More details on the product plans, roadmap, and target timeframes will be available after the close.

Q: What product gaps is Cisco trying to address with this acquisition?
A: Cisco’s intent to acquire WG2 will enable new as-a-service capabilities to meet customer needs with reduced complexity. By integrating WG2’s platform for IoT and private 5G networks with Cisco’s proven cloud-native core infrastructure, Cisco can offer expanded consumption models and API-driven programmability. This allows service providers to rapidly deliver solutions for emerging use cases. Cisco’s Mobility Services Platform, Networking Cloud, ThousandEyes, and Collaboration and Security portfolios combine with WG2’s capabilities to create significant new value. This addresses critical business needs for both service provider partners and enterprise customers.   

WG2 customers should continue to use the existing process for support on installed WG2 products. Cisco will notify you in advance of any change to the support process.

Cisco customers should continue to use the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for technical support on Cisco products. For more information about opening a technical support case and for regional TAC telephone numbers, refer to Cisco Worldwide Support Contacts.

WG2 Customers and Partners: 

If you are an existing customer or partner of WG2 and have questions about your product or service, please continue to contact your existing WG2 representative.

Cisco Customers and Partners: 

If you are an existing customer or partner of Cisco and have questions about your product or services, please continue to contact your existing Cisco representative.