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Revolutionizing Data-Driven Decisions: The Cisco-Splunk Acquisition and Its Impact on CIOs and CTOs

Cisco consolidated its position as one of the largest software companies globally by completing the acquisition of Splunk.

Cisco consolidated its position as one of the largest software companies globally by completing the acquisition of Splunk (Cisco 2024). In this age of AI, data is so critical, and with this acquisition combining both companies, it will enable Cisco to provide comprehensive visibility and analytics across the entire network for Cisco customers. Splunk was highly rated by customers and was a winner in the in the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) category at SoftwareReviews.com indicating that Splunk's products and services in the SIEM domain are well-regarded by customers. This can give potential buyers more confidence in the quality and effectiveness of Splunk's offerings when making a purchasing decision.

The whopping $28 billion cash-only buyout is Cisco’s biggest ever, and it sailed through regulatory hurdles, wrapping up months before it was expected to close by the end of the third quarter of calendar year 2024.

According to Cisco’s press release, the combination of Cisco and Splunk will provide customers with:

  • Better Security. A highly comprehensive security solution for threat prevention, detection, investigation, and response for organizations of any size, utilizing cloud, network, and endpoint traffic for unparalleled visibility.
  • Better Observability. A highly comprehensive full-stack observability solution for delivering amazing digital experiences across a multi-cloud hybrid environment.
  • Better Networking. A leading secure networking solution delivered on intelligent, resilient, and continually optimized network infrastructure.
  • Better AI. Cisco’s networking portfolio –– combined with enhanced security, full-stack observability, and a comprehensive data platform –– empowers customers to securely harness the power of AI throughout their organizations and applications.
  • Better Economics. Cisco and Splunk’s platform approach will help our customers consolidate numerous point products—delivering better business outcomes and reducing costs.

Our Take

Splunk was highly rated by customers and was a winner in the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) category at SoftwareReviews.com. This acquisition positions Cisco as a major player in the AI-powered security and observability market. Customers, particularly CIOs and CTOs, can expect a more unified suite of products that streamline IT infrastructure management, strengthen network defenses, and unlock valuable data insights for strategic decision-making. This could significantly improve an organization's overall security posture and preparedness in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats.

Cisco-Splunk data quadrant

Want to Know More?

Check out the Splunk and Cisco rankings on SoftwareReviews.com

Also see Cisco's press release announcing the closure of the deal.