Ribbon Communications

Ribbon Communications US LLC is a publicly-traded company (NASDAQ:RBBN) that makes IP-based real time communications security and software solutions and products for fixed wireline, mobile, and cable service providers as well as large enterprises. The company was formed in 2017, following the merger of GENBAND and Sonus Networks and is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts.[1]

Ribbon Communications
Traded asNASDAQ: RBBN
Russell 2000 Component
IndustryTelecommunications
Predecessor
FoundedWestford, Mass. (2017)
Headquarters
Westford, Massachusetts, United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Bruce McClelland, CEO
Products
  • Application & Client Platforms
  • Session Border Controllers
  • Call Controllers
  • Media Gateways
  • Enhanced Voice Services
  • Network Transcoding
  • Security & intelligence
  • Management & Analytics
  • Signaling
  • Cloud Communications
  • Messaging Platforms
  • Network Modernization
  • Network Virtualisation
  • Network Interconnects
  • Policy & Routing
  • Virtual Mobile Core - Clients
  • Unified Communications Platforms
  • Unified Communications Clients
  • SIP Trunking
  • Cloud Communications
Websiteribboncommunications.com

Ribbon delivers services to customers in more than 25 countries on 6 continents.

History

Ribbon Communications

Ribbon Communications was founded in 2017, following the merger of GENBAND and Sonus Networks.[2]

Franklin (Fritz) W. Hobbs was appointed as President and CEO of the combined organization[3] and served in that role until November 2019.[4]

In early 2018, Ribbon secured a new partnership with Verizon to offer SBC as a Service. In June 2018, Ribbon announced its work with Verizon for the US Department of Defense to leverage Ribbon Communications Application Server to complete 50,000-plus seat UC deployment.[5]

In November 2019, Ribbon announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire ECI Telecom, through a merger, for $486 million in cash and stock.[6]

In February 2020, Bruce McClelland was named president, CEO and director.[7][8]

The company's board consists of: Beatriz v. Infante, Director; Bruns H. Grayson, Director; Kent J. Mathy, Director; Kim S. Fennebresque, Director; Richard J. Lynch, Director; Rick W. Smith, Director; Scott E. Schubert, Director; Krish Prabhu, Director; and Steward Ewing, Director.[9]  

GENBAND

GENBAND was founded in 1999 as General Bandwidth by Paul Carew, Brendon Mills, Ron Lutz and Steve Raich in Austin, Texas and received initial venture capital funding of $12 million.[10]

In March 2006, General Bandwidth changed its name to GENBAND, Inc. and moved its headquarters to Plano, Texas.[11]

GENBAND started as a media gateway vendor selling the G6 media gateway, but eventually branched out to IP switching, IP Applications, IMS and Session Border Controllers.

In 2007, GENBAND acquired Tekelec's Switching Solutions Group,[12] which expanded GENBAND's product offerings in applications software and SIP trunking gateways.

In 2008, the company acquired Nokia Siemens Networks’ Surpass HiG media gateway product portfolio, including fixed-line trunking media gateways.[13] The company concluded 2008 with the acquisition of NextPoint Networks,[14] which included session border controller (SBCs) and security gateway offerings.

In 2010, GENBAND purchased Nortel Networks' Carrier VoIP and Application Solutions (CVAS) business. The acquisition quadrupled the size of the company and made GENBAND the market share leader in carrier VoIP.[15]

In 2011, GENBAND acquired Cedar Point Communications, making it a VoIP market share leader in the cable industry.[16]

In 2012, GENBAND acquired Aztek Networks, a switch maker specializing in hardware that allows for a smoother transition from legacy to IP networks.[17]

In 2012 GENBAND was named the top-ventured capital backed company by the Wall Street Journal out of nearly 6,000 companies that were considered.[18]

In 2013, GENBAND acquired Fringland Ltd., known for the Fring! app, an Over-the-top (OTT) mobile IP communications service provider.[19] Two years later, GENBAND announced the launch of the Fring Alliance, a global OTT community that enables communications service providers to come together to provide instant messaging, voice and video services to their subscribers.

In 2013, then CEO Charles Vogt left GENBAND, following this; David Walsh became CEO in addition to his existing Chairman title.

In 2014, GENBAND acquired uReach Technologies, a provider of Unified Communications (UC) and messaging solutions, and introduced the Generation Enterprise family of unified communications products and services for business customers.[20]

In 2014, GENBAND launched Kandy, a cloud-based, real-time software development communications platform-as-a-service (PaaS).[21]

In May 2015, GENBAND was named one of the world's most disruptive companies, ranking 22nd in CNBC’s Disruptor 50 list.[22]

In addition to internal research and development, the company gradually expanded its product portfolio through multiple acquisitions. Prior to its merger with Sonus, GENBAND currently held more than 240 U.S. patents and was granted more than 100 patents in other countries.

Sonus Networks, Inc.

Sonus Networks, Inc. was founded in August 1997.[23]

In 1998, Sonus Unveiled the World's first Carrier-Class IP Telephony Switch, GSX 9000.[24]

In May 2000, Sonus Networks Inc., went public.

In January 2001, Sonus acquired Anousheh Ansari's firm Telecom Technologies, Inc., in an all-stock deal. Sonus subsequently integrated TTI's softswitch technology INtelligentIP into its own packet telephony suite.

In August 2012, Sonus acquired Network Equipment Technologies, Inc., for $1.35 per share, or approximately $42 million. The acquisition complemented their existing SBC line with the NET UX series for SIP Trunking and SIP-based UC.[25]

On Dec 13, 2013, Sonus Networks, Inc. and Performance Technologies Inc entered into a definitive merger agreement, under which Sonus will acquire PT for $3.75 per share in cash, or approximately $30 million.[6]

In 2014 Sonus Networks Inc., acquired Performance Technologies, moving into the diameter signaling market.[26]

In 2016 Sonus Networks Inc., acquired Taqua expanding its softswitching portfolio.[27]

Timeline

  • 1997 – Sonus Networks founded[23]
  • 1998 – Sonus unveils world's first carrier-class IP Telephony Switch, GSX 9000[24]
  • 1999 – General Bandwidth founded[10]
  • 2006 - General Bandwidth becomes GENBAND[11]
  • 2006 – GENBAND Acquires Baypackets and Syndeo (Call Management Server and Media Gateway Controller)[28]
  • 2006 - GENBAND Acquires Siemens DCO Business (IP Switching) [29]
  • 2006 – Sonus Announces First Session Border Controller, SBC 9000[30]
  • 2007 - GENBAND Acquires TEKELEC Switching Solutions Group (IP Switching)[12]
  • 2008 - GENBAND Acquires Nokia Siemens Networks Product Units (Trunking Media Gateways)[13]
  • 2008 - GENBAND Acquires NextPoint Networks (SBC/Security)[14]
  • 2008 – GENBAND Disposes of M6 Communications Appliance Server (VocalData) to Broadsoft[31]
  • 2010 - GENBAND Acquires Nortel Carrier Voice and Applications Solutions[15]
  • 2011 - Infonetics Report: Sonus the Fastest Growing SBC Solution on the Market[32]
  • 2011 - GENBAND Acquires Cedar Point Communications (IP Switching for Cable Market)[16]
  • 2012 - GENBAND Acquires Aztek Networks (IP Switching)[17]
  • 2012 - GENBAND Ranked No.1 on The Wall Street Journal List of Top 50 Venture Backed Companies[18]
  • 2012 – Sonus Acquires Network Equipment Technologies[25]
  • 2013 - GENBAND Acquires Fringland Ltd. (OTT)[19]
  • 2013 – Sonus Launches SBC SWe; Named a Leader in Gartner's "Magic Quadrant for SBCs" for Second Consecutive Year[33]
  • 2014 - GENBAND Launches Kandy Communications Platform-as-a-Service[21]
  • 2014 – Sonus Acquires Performance Technologies (moves into diameter market)[26]
  • 2014 – GENBAND Acquires uReach Technologies (Mobile and broadband UC and messaging)[20]
  • 2015 - GENBAND listed as CNBC Disruptor50 (based on Kandy)[22]
  • 2015 – Sonus Completely Virtualizes Product Portfolio[34]
  • 2016 – Sonus Acquires Taqua[27]
  • 2016 – GENBAND Application Server Receives Department of Defense JITC Certification[35]
  • 2016 - GENBAND's Kandy Introduces Kandy Wrappers[36]
  • 2017 - Sonus and GENBAND Merge to form Ribbon Communications, a Global Leader in Real-time Communications and Security Solutions[2]
  • 2018 - Verizon offers SBC as a Service with Ribbon Communications as Part of Its Virtual Network Services[37]
  • 2018 - US Department of Defense Leverages Ribbon Communications Application Server to Complete 50,000-plus Seat UC Deployment[5]
  • 2018 - Ribbon Communications Session Border Controllers Enable Microsoft Teams to Deliver Integrated Voice Services to Global Customer Base[38]
  • 2018 - Ribbon Communications Announces Completion of Edgewater Networks, Inc. Acquisition[39]
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References

  1. "Sonus Networks, Inc. Announces Completion of Sonus and GENBAND Merger". Retrieved 2018-07-13.
  2. "Sonus Networks, Inc. Announces Completion of Sonus and GENBAND Merger". Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  3. Sharma, Ray. "Fritz Hobbs to Lead Ribbon as President and CEO". Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  4. "Ribbon Communications (RBBN) Announces Departure of CEO Franklin Hobbs". StreetInsider.com. Retrieved 2020-01-20.
  5. Newsroom, Verizon Wireless (2018-06-21). "U.S. Department of Defense completes Verizon-led unified communications integration". TelecomTV. Retrieved 2018-09-04.
  6. "Ribbon Communications to buy ECI Telecom for $486m", Globes, 14 November 2019
  7. "Former Arris CEO Bruce McClelland gets top job at Ribbon". FierceTelecom. Retrieved 2020-03-26.
  8. Inc, Ribbon Communications. "Ribbon Communications Inc. Announces Bruce McClelland as Its President, Chief Executive Officer and Director". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2020-02-25.
  9. "Board of Directors". 2020-03-26.
  10. "Biz Journals Article". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  11. "GenBand: Retooling for IMS". www.tmcnet.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  12. "GENBAND Acquires TEKELEC". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  13. "Genband buys fixed trunking gateways from Nokia Siemens". www.telecompaper.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  14. "Genband Scores NextPoint | Light Reading". Light Reading. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  15. "Genband Integrates Nortel VOIP Products into Road Map". eWEEK. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  16. "Genband picks up Cedar Point for stronger VoIP position - RCR Wireless News". www.rcrwireless.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  17. "GENBAND's Aztek acquisition helps it target more TDM-to-IP transformation projects | FierceTelecom". www.fiercetelecom.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  18. Basich, Zoran; Maltby, Emily (2012-09-27). "Looking for the 'Next Big Thing'? Ranking the Top 50 Start-Ups". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  19. Meyer, David (2013-09-12). "Genband buys iPhone VoIP pioneer fring to help carriers fight Skype and WhatsApp". gigaom.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  20. "GENBAND furthers OTT push with uReach acquisition, adds messaging capabilities | FierceTelecom". www.fiercetelecom.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  21. Norman, Mike (2014-09-26). "GENBAND Kandy: A Communications Platform as a Service". TVP Strategy. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  22. staff, CNBC.com (2015-05-12). "Disruptor 50: No. 22 GENBAND". CNBC. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  23. "Sonus Networks | Crunchbase". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  24. "Sonus Networks Takes Top Honors in InfoVision Awards; GSX9000 Open Services Switch Recognized for Excellence in the Public and Private Network Category. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  25. "Sonus Acquires Network Equipment Technologies". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  26. "Sonus to Acquire Performance Technologies | Light Reading". Light Reading. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  27. "Sonus Snaps Up Taqua for $20M | Light Reading". Light Reading. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  28. "Genband Splashes Out for BayPackets | Light Reading". Light Reading. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  29. "GENBAND buys Siemens DCO". Fierce Enterprise Communications. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  30. "Sonus Networks Introduces New Version Of Network Border Switch". Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  31. "GenBand's M6 Acquired by Broadsoft". On Rad's Radar?. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  32. "SONUS NETWORKS ANNOUNCES DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE NETWORK EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGIES". gcaglobal.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  33. "Sonus delivers SBC virtual appliance for IP telephony". V3. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  34. "Sonus Virtualizes Entire Product Line | Light Reading". Light Reading. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  35. Center, Genband Media (2016-05-03). "GENBAND and Polycom Achieve Department of Defense Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) Certification". TelecomTV. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  36. Options, Telepresence (2018-08-29). "Telepresence Options Website". www.telepresenceoptions.com. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
  37. "Verizon Offers SBC as a Service with Ribbon as Part of Virtual Network Services". UC Today. 2018-01-31. Retrieved 2018-09-04.
  38. GmbH, finanzen.net. "Ribbon Session Border Controller Portfolio to Deliver Secure Integrated Voice Services to Microsoft Teams | Markets Insider". markets.businessinsider.com. Retrieved 2018-09-04.
  39. Center, Ribbon Media (2018-08-13). "Ribbon Communications announces completion of Edgewater Networks acquisition". TelecomTV. Retrieved 2018-09-04.
  • Company website.
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