Vyatta, which calls itself an open source networking alternative to Cisco Systems, is taking aim at international markets. Specifically, Vyatta is partnering with Zycko, a Value Added Distributor, to pursue the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) market. Here’s more on the strategy.

First, we need to keep things in perspective. Open source upstarts like Vyatta and Digium (promoter of the Asterisk IP PBX) certainly have momentum. Both companies are highly ranked on The VAR Guy’s annual Open Source 50 report. But they are super-tiny companies compared to Cisco.

All that said, The VAR Guy’s team continues to watch Vyatta’s open source networking moves closely. Vyatta’s claim to fame is an open-source network operating system with enterprise class routing. Noted before as an ‘open-source’ alternative to Cisco. Vyatta stresses that their software solution is “optimized to connect and secure physical networks, virtual servers and applications and cloud computing environments.” Zycko, as a VAD, also offers IT infrastructure solutions, both software and hardware.

Looking ahead, Zycko plans to offer Vyatta along with Riverbed Technology‘s application acceleration platform and VMware backbone. The combination seems convenient for all since Vyatta is also a member of the Riverbed Technology Alliance. This relationship allows for Vyatta’s router, firewall and VPN software to run on a Steelhead appliance.

We’ll be watching to see if EMEA partners embrace Vyatta.

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