Networking juggernaut Cisco signed a definitive agreement to buy Composite Software, a San Mateo, Calif.-based company that sells data virtualization software and related services. Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco will shell out $180 million in cash and retention-based incentives for the privately-held firm.

Composite’s flagship solution is a data abstraction platform that aggregates information from across a network and makes it appear as if it’s in one place. This consolidated view makes it easier for large organizations to tap into their cloud and Big Data sources.

According to Cisco VP of business development Hilton Romanski, the acquisition of Composite will build on the recent deal to buy SolveDirect, a provider of process integration solutions. Both firms will join Cisco’s Services Platforms Group.

“Cisco’s strategy is to create a next generation IT model that provides highly differentiated solutions to help solve our customers’ most challenging business problems,” Gary Moore, Cisco president and chief operating officer, said in a statement. “By combining our network expertise with the performance of Cisco’s Unified Computing System and Composite’s software, we will provide customers with instant access to data analysis for greater business intelligence.”

Word of the acquisition came out shortly after Cisco announced that it will integrate Citrix’s NetScaler application delivery controller (ADC) technology into its Unified Fabric Cloud Network Services lineup. The NetScaler 1000V will be certified for use in environments that leverage Cisco’s Nexus 100V platform, and the NetScaler SDX service delivery platform and MPX line of hardware-based ADCs will be integrated with the company’s Nexus 700 series switches.

In related news, Stephen Liu, the head of marketing for Cisco’s service provider business, recently predicted that his firm’s latest Carrier Routing System will help the CRS lineup reach the $10 billion mark within two years.