Wiren Perera

The IT industry is in the midst of a shift of seismic proportions. Driven by Microsoft, Google, and Amazon among others, new compute models such as social networking and cloud computing are changing the way organizations share information, collaborate and communicate. These applications are imposing new performance demands on existing data centers - the IT infrastructure core of an organization. Data centers consist of a large cluster of servers interconnected using network switch infrastructure. These increased performance requirements are contributing to increased server densities and expenses within the data center. Data centers need a cost-effective, power-efficient and reliable 10Gbps interconnect to efficiently scale compute performance. Three generations of history proves standards-based Ethernet over copper UTP (unshielded twisted pair) to be the most cost-effective interconnect technology for data centers. 10GBASE-T is the next generation standard (IEEE802.3an-2006) in Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) interconnects operating at 10 gigabits per second. Founded in 2004, Plato Networks is driving mainstream deployment of 10GBASE-T leveraging a disruptive and silicon-proven AASP™ - Adaptive Analog Signal Processing technology. Unlike multi-chip, power-hungry and unreliable solutions offered by competition, Plato's 10GBASE-T PHY solutions eliminate the need for external passive circuitry, reduce power dissipation by over 50%, required board real-estate by 60% and in the end bolster the resiliency of 10GBASE-T connectivity 'priming the pump' for explosive 10GbE adoption in data centers and enterprise networks. Plato Networks has built a seasoned organization that reflects the innovation and comprehensiveness of its technology/products as well as demonstrable knowledge in building a defensible and sustainable business. With all critical disciplines and expertise - Analog, DSP/Systems, Digital and Technology/Operations in-house, Plato has developed a scalable and results-driven organization that can tackle the challenges involved in designing such complex PHY systems. The team has a cumulative experience of over 200 years coming from successful organizations including Broadcom, Conexant, Cisco-Scientific Atlanta, Exar, IBM, Intel, National, and PMC-Sierra. Plato's investors - Crosslink Capital, Granite Ventures and STIC Investments bring broad and deep knowledge the in the communications semiconductor industry. With numerous test chips and a product developed to date, Plato has set a bench mark for a capital-efficient operating model in a fabless semiconductor company. Plato has developed a diverse body of intellectual property with 15+ patents in the pipeline for AASP and critical building-blocks in deep sub-micron CMOS technologies.

Mysticom, Inc. provides DSP and mixed-signal VLSI solutions for use in high-speed communication systems. It delivers interconnect solutions for existing copper and fiber media & enables even lower-cost media to be used in new installations. The company also designs, develops and markets high performance multi-gigabit transceivers for data center and storage applications. Mysticom is located in Mountain View, CA

Stream Machine Co. provides semiconductor solutions that enable video and audio compression. Its compression technology offers video at low bit-rates and is compatible with consumer standards, including MPEG-2, MP3 and Dolby Digital. The company is located in Milpitas, CA.

Microsemi Storage Solutions, Inc. engages in the design, development, marketing, and support of semiconductor solutions by integrating its mixed-signal, software, and systems expertise through a network of offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. The company was founded by James V. Diller, Sr., Colin C. Harris, Brian Gerson, Gregory D. Aasen, Glenn Bindley, and Kevin Huscroft in 1984 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA.

Nec is a British company that manufactures electronic products. Nec was acquired by Eadie Industries Ltd. on July 01, 1999.

Micrel, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and markets analog power integrated circuits (ICs), mixed-signal ICs and digital ICs. It also manufactures custom analog and mixed-signal circuits and provides wafer foundry services for customers that produce electronic systems for communications, consumer and military applications. The company operates through one segment: Semiconductor Products. It also offers radio frequency data communication products. Micrel was founded by Raymond D. Zinn in July 1978 and is headquartered in San Jose, CA.