F5 Networks Inc. has completed the acquisition of Acopia Networks Inc., a best-of-breed provider of high-performance, intelligent file virtualization solutions. Acopia solutions increase F5's strategic value to customers by optimizing the network storage layer that is entrusted with an organization's data. In extending the power of intelligent networking to all levels of application delivery, the acquisition furthers F5's strategic goal of making applications and information readily available to global users.

"Acopia has proven technology that is widely deployed in global enterprises today. Intelligent file virtualization is a natural and important extension to F5's data center vision," said John McAdam, president and CEO of F5. "Within the datacenter, F5 optimizes the web and application layers. Externally, we optimize the links between data centers. With the addition of Acopia, we extend that value by optimizing the file storage layer-providing our customers faster, more secure, and more reliable access to applications and information regardless of their location."
Acopia's President and CEO, Christopher Lynch, and his leadership team are joining F5's management team.

Based on the purchase price allocation, F5 expects to take a one-time charge of $14 million in the current quarter for in-process research and development related to this acquisition. ENS