Cloud business continuity, backup and recovery firm Datto Inc. has acquired Open Mesh Inc., a maker of plug-and-play wireless mesh networks that organizations can use to build Wi-Fi networks in spread-out premises such as hotels and apartment buildings.

Datto will integrate the acquired company’s Ethernet switching and access point technologies into its line of Datto Networking Appliances to create new offerings for small-to-mid-sized businesses. Terms weren’t disclosed.

The Norwalk, Connecticut-based Datto said its Datto Networking line will be made up of integrated devices that managed service providers can offer customers for data backup and protection. The appliance approach enables complete networks to be deployed quickly and scaled up without sacrificing security or reliability, the company said.

Datto provides an integrated approach to backing up and securing data on-premises and in the cloud. The company is known for its snapshot capability, which enables data to be backed up and verified instantly for rapid recovery in the event of a failure. Its core market has historically been small businesses, which it addresses exclusively through a network of business partners.

Open Mesh has equipped more than 90,000 networks globally through a full range of access points and Ethernet switches managed by its free CloudTrax cloud management platform. Open Mesh will operate as a Datto subsidiary and will maintain its Portland, Oregon headquarters and distribution networks.

Managed in the cloud, Datto Networking is said to simplify network deployments with smarter devices, always-connected networking and integrated failover, which enables managed service providers to support smaller customers at low cost. Components of the product line include the following.

• Datto Networking Appliance is a bundle that includes a network edge router, firewall, Wi-Fi access point, intrusion detection/prevention capabilities and integrated 4G LTE failover;
• Datto Networking Switches, which were developed by Open Mesh, include Layer 2 management that enables devices and users to easily connect and be managed with plug-and-play integration with Datto access points. The switches come with eight-, 24- or 48-port options and Power over Ethernet capabilities for managing small devices without the need for an external power supplies.
• Datto Networking Wi-Fi access points deliver mesh-enabled 802.11ac wireless networking with seamless roaming. The access points form a self-organizing, self-healing, encrypted mesh network for more flexible deployment, Datto said.

The Datto Networking suite is currently available in the U.S. Datto Networking Switches and Datto Networking WiFi are available in Canada and the Asia-Pacific region with the Datto Networking Appliance available later in 2017.

Founded in 2007, Datto has raised $100 million in two funding rounds. The company says it has been profitable for more than two years.

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