Cisco plans on moving forward its internal innovation in video with the acquisition of BNI Video. The supplier is known for its video back-office and content delivery network (CDN) analytics capabilities to service providers.

Few can deny the merger and acquisition savvy of Cisco. While their intent is far less insidious than the Borg in Star Trek, the fictional cybernetic organisms notorious for acquiring and merging species into their technological empire, the continually ambitious and successful expansions do command a certain wonder.

As the cybernetic overlords were fond of saying, "you will be assimilated." Cisco, however, was kind enough to fork over $99 million in exchange for the acquisition.

The BNI Video technology will lead to more efficient delivery of “TV Everywhere” servics and more powerful on-demand video services.

The location of Boost headquarters in Boxborough continues Cisco’s consolidation in the greater Boston area that has included acquisitions of Starent Networks and LineSider.

Cisco has spent the past year and a half growing via strategic acquisitions like ExtendMedia and Inlet Technologies, which expanded their portfolio with video content management and adaptive bit rate power.

The trend of mergers and acquisitions shows no signs of slowing, yet Cisco is careful to point out the tactics behind its habit of assimilating smaller tech companies. Hilton Romanski, Vice President Head of Corporate Business Development explains that this recent M&A move “also highlights our vibrant venture investment program. As an early equity investor in BNI Video, along with leading service providers Comcast and Time Warner Cable, Cisco was able to broaden its knowledge in this area of the market.

Speaking to the future, Hilton Romanski forecasts "in the coming quarters, Cisco will continue to execute on our strategic priorities using all of the tools at our disposal, including world-class internal technology innovation and M&A and investment.”