Cox Business has acquired RapidScale, gaining a range of managed cloud services for business of all sizes, the two companies say. Financial details were not disclosed.
Cox Business -- the commercial division of Cox Communications -- said the deal will strengthen its portfolio by combining transport and connectivity with RapidScale’s managed and hybrid managed cloud offerings.
RapidScale is an M&A veteran. The company acquired Vonage’s hosted infrastructure services in May 2017. That deal saw RapidScale poised to expand eastward, gaining new clients along the way. More recently, RapidScale embraced Veeam Software to build a secure, cloud-based backup offering.
Executive Perspectives
RapidScale Co-founder and CEO Randy Jeter tells ChannelE2E that Cox they will continue to leverage that growth, rebranding the business as 'RapidScale, a Cox Business Company.' "It will operate as part of Cox Business’ New Business Ventures under Larry Steelman," he explains.
Jeter along with co-founder and CTO William Hiatt and the entire RapidScale organization will join the Cox team.
"RapidScale’s vision has always been one of long-term strategic growth and impact," he explains. "This acquisition provides RapidScale and its network of partners the financial strength and security, as well as the trusted Cox brand name, to attack the managed cloud services market more quickly, more aggressively, and with service that delights customers more completely, than ever before."
For Cox Business, the addition of RapidScale’s services will enhance its value to business customers, regardless of size or vertical market, according to Executive VP Steve Rowley.
Cox History
Cox’s history stretches back more than two decades. The company was the first national operator to provide telecom services for businesses beginning in 1993. Since then it has grown that particular business segment to more than $2 billion in annual revenue. The company says it has continued to diversify its portfolio through several strategic investments, acquisitions, and new capabilities including Blueprint RF, Unite Private Networks, Trapollo, Hospitality Network and Cox Business Security Solutions.
According to Jeter, the deal just made sense. “The RapidScale Team is thrilled to now be a part of the Cox family," he told ChannelE2E. "Cox is a family-owned company renowned for its dedication to culture, teamwork, and customer satisfaction. This core values alignment between the two companies make it a perfect, long term fit for everyone at RapidScale."
