Compass EOS case study

The Challenge

Compass-EOS (formerly Compass Networks) offered a unique and disruptively new type of optical network technology based on icPhotonics aimed at core and high-speed edge routing applications. The technology’s potential was in turning the market upside down with its order-of-magnitude improvements in bandwidth, power consumption, size/weight, and scalability for core routing.

Following its highly successful emergence from stealth mode in 2013, Compass-EOS asked Rainier to continue the momentum for the company and its icPhotonics technology. As its strategic positioning evolved, Compass-EOS asked Rainier to set the stage for a new networking element based on software-defined networking (SDN) that will eventually replace expensive and complex routers used in today’s service provider networks.

Solution

Rainier designed a PR plan that capitalized on Compass-EOS’ partner and strategy roadmap for its SDN Forwarding Plane while at the same time filling the pipeline with a steady stream of activity, including influencer briefings at targeted industry events, award submissions, and proactive pitching.

As a prelude to the SDN Forwarding Plane announcement, Compass-EOS announced $45M in funding allocated for SDN product development (as well as sales and marketing). Rainier landed exclusive interviews for Compass-EOS that resulted in coverage in Forbes, Fortune, VentureBeat, Network World, Light Reading, Dow Jones News, and many others.

Results

Throughout the year, Rainier kept Compass-EOS in front of key industry influencers to discuss its strategy and vision, building relationships with many, including Heavy Reading analyst Sterling Perrin, Gartner analyst Joe Skorupa, 451Research analyst Peter Christy, Dell’Oro analyst Shin Umeda, Light Reading editor Ray LeMaistre, SDNCentral editor Craig Matsumoto, and many others.

GigaOm: “Compass-EOS, gets another $42M to rethink routers”
EE Times: “Photons coming down the cloudy path”
CED: “Optics replacing copper at stunning rate
TMCnet: “Compass EOS and The Optical Approach to Core Routing.”

Compass-EOS

The Company that Paved the Way for Software-Defined Networking

The Challenge

Solution

Results

A network of almost 20 influencers met regularly with Compass-EOS at events such as Photonics West, OFC, Open Networking Summit, SCTE, and others, or covered partnership announcements with CERNET, Comdate, NTT, SNET, NetOne, JT Labs, and OpenDaylight.

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