NetScout Systems

NetScout Systems, Inc.

File:NetScout logo.svg
Company type	Public
Traded as	Template:NASDAQ S&P 600 component
Founded	1984 (1984)
Founders	Anil K. Singhal Narendra Popat
Headquarters	Westford, Massachusetts, U.S.
Area served	Global
Key people	Anil K. Singhal (chairman, president, & CEO) Jean Bua (vice president & CFO)
Revenue	Decrease Template:US$ (2024)
Operating income	Decrease Template:US$ (2024)
Net income	Decrease Template:US$ (2024)
Total assets	Decrease Template:US$ (2024)
Total equity	Decrease Template:US$ (2024)
Number of employees	2,296 (2024)
Website	netscout.com

NetScout Systems, Inc. (marketed as NETSCOUT) specializes in application performance management and network performance management solutions, with its headquarters located in Westford, Massachusetts.

In July 2015, NetScout completed the acquisition of Danaher Corporation's communications division, which included prominent subsidiaries such as Arbor Networks, Fluke Networks, Tektronix Communications, and VSS Monitoring. Additionally, the company operates subsidiaries based in the Cayman Islands, recognized for their favorable tax regulations.

History

Established in 1984 by founders Anil Singhal and Narendra Popat under the original name Frontier Software, NetScout introduced the industry's first RMON-based Ethernet Probe in 1992.

The company's product range was broadened in November 2007 through the purchase of Sniffer, Infinistream, and Network Intelligence product lines from Network General. This integration enhanced their Performance Manager offerings by combining probe technology with Infinistream capabilities.

During 2011 and 2012, NetScout strategically expanded through acquisitions to bolster its portfolio: it acquired Psytechnics, a provider specializing in voice and video management; Fox Replay, a Dutch firm; and Simena Networks, a supplier of switching technology—thus entering into competition with some former collaborators.

A significant expansion occurred in October 2014 when NetScout announced a $2.6 billion deal to acquire Danaher Corporation's Communications segment. Under this agreement, Danaher shareholders received approximately 59.5% ownership of the merged company. According to industry analyst 451 Research, this acquisition was expected to position NetScout as the leading network visibility management firm globally, employing over 3,000 personnel and generating annual revenues surpassing $1 billion.

The transaction was finalized in July 2015, incorporating key subsidiaries including Arbor Networks (cybersecurity), Fluke Networks (RF and Wi-Fi analytics), Tektronix Communications (traffic analysis and customer experience solutions), and VSS Monitoring (network packet brokers). NetScout emphasized that this acquisition accelerates its strategic objectives by broadening its service assurance and cybersecurity capabilities while substantially increasing its employee base.

Acquisitions

In 2007, NetScout Systems completed the purchase of Network General. Originally, Network General gained recognition for creating the first network packet sniffer, known as The Sniffer, back in 1986. The company merged with McAfee Associates in 1997, resulting in the formation of Network Associates. By 2004, Network Associates divested the Sniffer Technologies division to Silver Lake Partners and Texas Pacific Group for $275 million, leading to the revival of Network General as an independent entity. The following year, Network General broadened its capabilities by acquiring Fidelia Technology, incorporating NetVigil Business Service Monitoring into its suite of network and application performance solutions. NetScout’s acquisition of Network General for $205 million in 2007 enhanced its competitive position and expanded its range of network performance management products.