Riverbed expands acceleration platforms to meet rising AI demand

Riverbed has introduced an updated portfolio of acceleration platforms and services aimed at improving enterprise network performance, security, and agility in response to a surge in data-heavy artificial intelligence deployments.

The expanded range features ten new SteelHead acceleration solutions powered by the latest iteration of Riverbed's RiOS software, RiOS 10. These solutions are designed to enhance the transfer and security of data across cloud environments, data centres, and edge locations. The update also includes the launch of Riverbed Flex, a new subscription model that enables clients to transition licenses across hardware, virtual, and cloud deployments and scale capacity according to business requirements.

According to Riverbed, the roll-out comes after a 59% increase, year-on-year, in bookings for its Acceleration business, amid growing demand from enterprises deploying artificial intelligence solutions that produce and process significant volumes of data. Industry data highlighted by Riverbed shows global networks experiencing annual increases of 35% in data volume, putting strain on existing infrastructure.

Research from Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) indicates that 91% of IT leaders see AI as a factor making network acceleration solutions essential, while 85% believe AI is directly influencing network planning and operations. As enterprise data creation and use by AI applications rises, network capacity and speed have become key concerns for IT teams.

Dave Donatelli, Chief Executive Officer at Riverbed, commented: "Riverbed was founded 23 years ago this month with a focus on accelerating applications and the movement of data over networks. AI and data-hungry applications have introduced new and more demanding network requirements. I'm proud that Riverbed continues to solve our customers' most critical challenges, as demonstrated today by our largest Acceleration launch in seven years. In the first quarter of this year, we saw strong demand in our Acceleration business, achieving 59% year-over-year bookings growth. These new solutions build on our momentum and deliver a proven return on investment by helping customers move data faster, optimise application performance, and strengthen business resilience."

RiOS 10 introduces architectural enhancements designed to support cloud computing, data centre operations, and edge deployments, with new provisions for post-quantum cryptography, platform security, and confidential computing. The SteelHead 90 series includes models tailored for specific deployment needs, such as the Data Centre-ready CXA-8090, capable of delivering up to 60 Gbps of data movement over optimised WANs, and the CXA-2090, intended for edge locations.

SteelHead 6090 targets mid-size data centres with up to 20 Gbps of optimised data movement, while SteelHead 4090 and 2090 address mid-sized data centre and edge cases, supporting accelerated traffic loads of 500 Mbps and 200 Mbps, respectively, and up to 10 Gbps of traffic for application classification requirements.

Chalan Aras, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Acceleration at Riverbed, stated: "Network congestion is no longer just a nuisance—it's a choke point that can cripple a business. Without fast and efficient data movement over networks, enterprises will quickly find themselves falling behind, missing out on the promise of AI. Riverbed's new resilient networking solutions help organisations stay ahead of the curve by securely managing growing data volumes and application performance demands, while also improving IT agility to support the dynamic demands of cloud, data centre and edge computing."

For workloads in virtualised environments, RiOS 10 also powers SteelHead Virtual, a software-only solution compatible with VMware ESXI, KVM, and Microsoft Hyper-V and aimed at private cloud deployments.

Riverbed also announced SteelHead RS, a software offering developed to support edge computing operations by enabling near real-time synchronisation with data centres, local processing, and consistency across distributed locations.

SteelHead Cloud, also powered by RiOS 10, expands compatibility to Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and Google Cloud Platform. The new solution is available via each provider's marketplace and is designed to support enterprise data and application transfers at up to 20 Gbps.

Jim Frey, Principal Analyst for Networks at Enterprise Strategy Group, shared: "AI initiatives are increasing the criticality of network performance, requiring reduced latency, increased bandwidth, and richer network observability. While performance can be improved by upgrading network gear and external services, organisations should also prioritise continuous optimisation of network connections. These are all requirements that Riverbed's resilient networking solutions address for successfully supporting growing AI workloads."

The Riverbed Flex subscription model has been designed to give businesses flexibility, investment protection, and ease of scalability by allowing dynamic license reassignment and hardware upgrades in line with evolving IT requirements.

Dr. Alexei Vederko, Senior Director of Engineering at Viasat Energy Services, remarked: "Riverbed Flex allows us to continue to manage our network performance in a smarter, more agile way - exactly what we need in the fast-moving world of offshore operations. With rigs constantly relocating, IT must scale, move, and optimise network acceleration on demand. The Flex model allows us to replace and upgrade hardware: minimising risk when equipment is lost or outdated. As a long-time SteelHead customer, our work with Riverbed allows us to effectively deliver critical data to our oil platforms and ensure operational resiliency. Riverbed Flex is a further step forward in future proofing our network with greater flexibility and control."

The newly announced solutions are expected to be generally available in May 2025. Additional features, including some capabilities for post-quantum cryptography and expanded cloud support, are anticipated to be introduced in the second half of 2025.