Net6
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Technology, Security solutions, VoIP, SSL VPN |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | Murli Thirumale, Goutham Rao, Jon Thies, Russell Lentini |
| Defunct | 2004 |
| Fate | Acquired by Citrix Systems |
| Successor | Citrix Systems |
Key people | Murli Thirumale (CEO), Goutham Rao (CTO), Russell Lentini (Principal Architect), Jon Thies (Principal Architect), Gordon Payne (VP Marketing), Joe Eskew (VP Sales) |
| Products | Application Gateway (VoIP), Access Gateway (SSL VPN) |
| Parent | Citrix Systems (from 2004) |
Net6 was a technology startup established in 2000 that specialized in Security solutions, Voice over IP (VoIP) protocols, and SSL VPN devices.
History
Originally launched as WebUnwired in 2000 by Murli Thirumale (previously VP and GM at Hewlett-Packard), Goutham Rao (Operating Systems Architect at Intel), Jon Thies, and Russell Lentini, the company initially concentrated on delivering secure application access tailored for mobile devices. With Thirumale as CEO and Rao as CTO, the firm transitioned its focus toward VoIP protocols and SSL VPN innovations, creating two key hardware products: the Application Gateway designed for VoIP and the Access Gateway intended for SSL VPN services.
Partnerships
Beginning in 2000, Net6 established OEM agreements with Cisco Systems. From 2002 through 2003, the company broadened its OEM collaborations to include Nortel Networks, Avaya Systems, and Siemens. Distribution of Net6’s offerings was mainly conducted through these partner networks.
Funding
- In 2000, operating under the name WebUnwired, the company secured $8 million in Series A financing from Sierra Ventures and Olympic Venture Partners.
- In 2004, an additional $8 million was raised during a Series B funding round led by venture partners from Bank of America.
Acquisition
Net6 Inc was acquired by Citrix Systems in December 2004 for $50 million. This acquisition represented Citrix’s initial venture into telecommunications security markets. Citrix continues to promote Net6’s Access Gateway solution under the Citrix Access Gateway™ brand, with ongoing support from the original executive team including CEO Murli Thirumale, CTO Goutham Rao, Principal Architects Russell Lentini and Jon Thies, VP of Marketing Gordon Payne, and VP of Sales Joe Eskew.