ConteXtream

About ConteXtream

ConteXtream operated as a software-defined networking (SDN) company, providing network virtualization solutions for communications service providers (CSPs) and MSOs. The firm was founded in 2006 by Nachman Shelef and Sharon Barkai. Barkai had the previous experience of founding Sheer Networks, which was acquired by Cisco, and Xeround. The company's mission from its inception was to enable the virtualization of carrier networks by implementing infrastructure functions as software on commercial off-the-shelf servers, a significant shift from reliance on proprietary hardware.

The company's primary clients were Tier-1 telecommunication operators and MSOs. ConteXtream's business model revolved around providing a carrier-grade SDN fabric that allowed these major network operators to virtualize network functions and services. This approach enabled carriers to deliver network capacity and functions in a manner similar to how cloud providers deliver applications, utilizing standard server and storage hardware to replace expensive, purpose-built systems. Its technology was reportedly deployed in networks serving over 50 million mobile data subscribers.

ConteXtream's main offering was a context-aware, distributed flow fabric. A key feature was its ability to dynamically create service chains for individual subscribers. This platform, based on the OpenDaylight open-source project, enabled CSPs to become more agile in deploying services, moving away from inflexible hardware. The technology separated network functions from physical junctions, allowing for greater flexibility and the ability to provision services like firewalls, caching, and optimization in the cloud. Before its acquisition, the company had raised approximately $24 million from investors including Benhamou Global Ventures, Gemini Israel Funds, Norwest Venture Partners, Sofinnova Ventures, Comcast Ventures, and Verizon Ventures. In May 2015, Hewlett-Packard (HP) announced a definitive agreement to acquire ConteXtream for an undisclosed sum, integrating the company into its Communications Solutions Business to bolster its Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) portfolio.