A privately held vendor of Linux-based NAS (network attached storage) appliances has been acquired by a large consumer electronics vendor. Netgear will pay $60 million in cash for Infrant Technologies, which offers a “ReadyNAS” product line based on a custom Linux implementation… called “RAIDiator.”

Infrant's ReadyNAS devices run the company's Linux-based RAIDiator OS, said to use patent-pending “X-RAID” (expandable RAID) technology aimed at enabling automatic RAID volume expansion as additional drives are added.

Infrant's most recent devices, the ReadyNAS NV+ and rack-mounted ReadyNAS 1100 (pictured above), draw only 20 Amps when configured with a capacity of 90TB, according to the company. The NV model was named Editor's Choice in a recent PC Magazine shootout of NAS devices for the SOHO (small-/home-office) market.

The terms of the deal call for a $60 million cash payment to Infrant shareholders, followed by up to $20 million in cash over the next three years, pending attainment of specific revenue targets. It is expected to close in Q2, following resolution of standard closing conditions.

Patrick Lo, CEO of Netgear, stated, “We expect the demand for network attached storage will continue to grow. Infrant's ReadyNAS product family has consistently received industry acclaim.”

Lo added, “This acquisition fits Netgear's strategy of expanding its product portfolio, strengthening its global brand presence and adding on proven management talent. We also believe we will be able to leverage Netgear's leading brand name, domestic and international supply chain relationships and distributor base to expand distribution for Infrant's existing product offerings worldwide.”

Infrant CEO Paul Tien is expected to become Netgear's GM of storage products once the deal closes.

 
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