Colubris Networks

About Colubris Networks

Colubris Networks, Inc. operated as a provider of wireless local area network (WLAN) solutions, catering to enterprises and service providers before its acquisition. Founded in 2000 by Pierre Trudeau, the company was established in Laval, Quebec, Canada, with its headquarters later based in Waltham, Massachusetts. The firm secured a total of $42 million in funding over several rounds from investors including DCM Ventures and Prism Venture Partners.

The company's business model revolved around the design and sale of intelligent wireless networking hardware and software. Colubris sold its products exclusively through a multi-tiered channel partner program, which included distributors and resellers. This strategy targeted a range of vertical markets, including hospitality, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and service providers. A significant milestone was the company's acquisition of Kiwi Networks in 2005, which enhanced its portfolio with cellular Wi-Fi technologies and automated radio frequency planning tools. Another key achievement was producing the first Wi-Fi access devices to meet the FIPS 140-2 security standard, enabling their adoption by U.S. and Canadian government entities.

Colubris Networks' product line was centered on its Intelligent Mobility Solution. This included MultiService Access Points (MAPs) featuring single, dual, or triple radios, and MultiService Controllers (MSCs) for managing network configuration, security, and operations. The company also offered a Wireless Client Bridge to connect non-wireless devices to the network. A core component of their offering was the Colubris Network Management System (NMS), a comprehensive platform for network design, monitoring, fault management, and reporting. These products were engineered to provide secure, scalable, and high-performance wireless connectivity, supporting applications for data, voice, and multimedia. In August 2008, Hewlett-Packard announced its definitive agreement to acquire Colubris Networks, a deal that was completed in October 2008. The acquisition was intended to integrate Colubris' 802.11n capabilities and product line into HP's ProCurve Networking portfolio, strengthening HP's position against competitors like Cisco in the enterprise wireless market.