Pica8
Pica8 provides disaggregated networking software (PicOS network operating system and AmpCon automation controller) that runs on white-box hardware from Dell, Edgecore, and FS, enabling Fortune 500 enterprises in telecom, technology, retail, healthcare, and government to replace Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and Cumulus Linux across campus, data center, branch, and IoT deployments.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersPalo Alto, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Pica8 does
Pica8 is a privately held networking software company founded in 2009 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, that provides a disaggregated network operating system and automation controller for enterprise campus, data center, branch, and IoT environments. The company's core technology consists of two products: PicOS, a network operating system built on unmodified Debian Linux that runs on white-box switches from hardware partners including Dell Technologies, Edgecore Networks, FS.com, and Delta; and AmpCon, a low-code network automation controller providing zero-touch provisioning, configuration management, compliance checking, and native Ansible integration. Supporting products include PicOS-V, a free virtual switch for evaluation, and dedicated migration programs targeting customers displaced from Cumulus Linux after NVIDIA ended Broadcom ASIC support and from Cisco DNA Center and Catalyst refresh cycles.
Pica8 monetizes primarily through subscription and perpetual software licenses bundled under a single license model that covers both AmpCon and PicOS without port or performance restrictions, supplemented by annual maintenance and support and time-and-materials professional services. Go-to-market combines a direct enterprise field sales motion targeting Fortune 500 network architects and IT executives with a channel partner program (Break Free Partner Program) that recruits value-added resellers, and a product-led growth motion via the free PicOS-V download for self-service evaluation. The company reports 1,000+ enterprise customers across 40+ countries, with named deployments at Airbus, Verizon, Telus, Telstra, SoftBank, Sony, Singtel, Samsung, Rolex, NTT Data, Baidu, First Data (Fiserv), Calgary Catholic School District, Major League Baseball, and a top-three U.S. telecom retailer that replaced 5,000 Cisco Catalyst switches across 4,000+ retail stores.
The company has raised approximately $39.1M across three disclosed funding rounds, most recently a Series-C of more than $20M in April 2021 led by Aspiro Capital Management and WI Harper Group, alongside VantagePoint Capital Partners. Leadership transitioned in November 2021 with the appointment of Brad Bullington as CEO. Pica8 competes against incumbent vendors Cisco, Juniper, and Arista as well as against Cumulus Linux (now NVIDIA), positioning on hardware-agnostic interoperability, automation, and total cost of ownership reduction. Integration partnerships with Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass, PacketFence, Ansible, Prometheus, Grafana, Zabbix, and gNMI enable the platform to coexist with existing enterprise operational toolchains.
Pica8 firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pica8
- Legal name
- Pica8, Inc.
- Website
- https://pica8.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Pica8 provides disaggregated networking software (PicOS network operating system and AmpCon automation controller) that runs on white-box hardware from Dell, Edgecore, and FS, enabling Fortune 500 enterprises in telecom, technology, retail, healthcare, and government to replace Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and Cumulus Linux across campus, data center, branch, and IoT deployments.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pica8 industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Network Infrastructure Software
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Computer Communications Equipment (3576)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Data Center Routing (Core/Border/EVPN) (HDABAFAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Data Center Routing (Leaf-Spine/EVPN-VXLAN Gateways) (HDAFABAE)
Keywords
Where Pica8 is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Palo Alto
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Pica8 business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- PicOS Software Switch Licenses: Perpetual and subscription-based software licenses for PicOS network operating system running on customer-provided or partner-sourced bare metal switches. Licenses are tied to hardware devices but allow hardware swapping. Single license covers both AmpCon controller and PicOS software blocks.
- AmpCon Network Controller Licenses: Licenses for AmpCon network automation controller, available as perpetual or subscription terms. Included in single license model alongside PicOS.
- Maintenance and Support Services: Annual maintenance and support services providing software updates, technical support, and error corrections. Subscription-based with automatic renewal for successive 12-month periods.
- Professional Services: On-site installation, configuration, training, and implementation services billed at time and materials rates.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Single unified license covering all Pica8 software products |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Perpetual license option for long-term deployments |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free virtual trial for evaluation |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Pica8 product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pica8 provides a disaggregated networking software platform built around two core products: PicOS, a hardware-agnostic network operating system built on Debian Linux that runs on white-box switches from Dell, Edgecore, and FS; and AmpCon, a low-code network automation controller delivering zero-touch provisioning, configuration management, compliance checking, and native Ansible integration. The platform targets enterprise campus, data center, branch, and IoT environments as an alternative to Cisco DNA Center, Juniper, and Arista solutions, and is sold via direct sales and channel partners as subscription or perpetual licenses.
Product overview
Pica8 is a provider of SDN (Software-Defined Networking) software solutions offering a unified network platform. The product portfolio consists of two core products: PicOS (disaggregated network operating system built on Debian Linux) and AmpCon (low-code network automation controller), which work together as an integrated platform. Supporting offerings include PicOS-V (free virtual machine for evaluation) and the Enterprise Software Suite. The platform is designed for white-box/networking disaggregation, enabling enterprises to break free from proprietary vendor lock-in. The company targets campus, data center, branch, and IoT networking environments and competes directly with Cisco DNA Center, Cumulus Linux, Arista, and Juniper solutions. Pica8 software is deployed at over 1,000 customers in over 40 countries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PicOS: Disaggregated network operating system (NOS) built on Debian Linux for white-box switching
- AmpCon
- PicOS-V
- PicOS Enterprise Switches
- PicOS Data Center Switches
Products and services
- PicOS Disaggregated network operating system (NOS) built on industry-standard Debian Linux, providing hardware-agnostic interoperability for white-box switches from Dell, Edgecore, and FS. Supports Layer 2/3 protocols, EVPN-VXLAN fabric, MLAG, Ansible automation, gNMI streaming telemetry, and integration with NAC Policy Managers for zero-trust security. Sold as perpetual or subscription licenses targeting enterprise campus, data center, branch, and IoT environments.
- AmpCon Network Controller Low-code network automation controller providing GUI-based automation for switch deployment, provisioning, configuration management, compliance checking, and ongoing lifecycle management. Includes zero-touch provisioning (ZTP), push-button automation, config backup/rollback, and native Ansible integration. Sold as perpetual or subscription license bundled with PicOS under Pica8's single license model.
- PicOS-V Free downloadable virtual machine that allows prospects to validate, configure, prototype, and test PicOS software switches without any hardware. Runs on VMware, GNS3, and VirtualBox hypervisors with simulated Dell, Edgecore, and FS switches. Enables hands-on self-service evaluation of PicOS features at no cost and without a license.
- Enterprise Software Suite Comprehensive software suite combining AmpCon Network Controller and PicOS-V Virtual Software Switch. Delivers end-to-end network automation including zero-touch provisioning, push-button automation, EVPN/VXLAN virtualization, zero-trust NAC integration, and streaming telemetry analytics for enterprise networks. Sold as a unified subscription or perpetual license under Pica8's single license model.
- Pica8 Software Platform Turnkey software platform for deploying and managing switch software on white-box networking hardware. Bundles AmpCon Network Controller (with APIs at every tier) and PicOS Switching Software under a simple single licensing model. Designed for HPC, data center, and enterprise networking deployments seeking to replace Cisco DNA Center, Arista CloudVision, or Juniper Mist.
- Maintenance and Support Services Annual maintenance and support services for PicOS and AmpCon deployments, providing software updates, technical support, and error corrections. Subscription-based with automatic renewal for successive 12-month periods and industry-leading 24/7/365 enterprise support.
- Professional Services On-site installation, configuration, training, and implementation services for Pica8 networking deployments. Billed at time and materials rates to support enterprise rollouts and complex multi-site deployments.
Quantifiable outcome
- Zero-Touch Provisioning for 100 switches saves over 3 days of manual configuration time
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Pica8
Customer profileNamed customers22 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Pica8 technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature10 records
Pica8 partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Pica8 Break Free Partner ProgramcoreExpanded channel partner program recruiting value-added resellers (VARs) in the open networking ecosystem. Incentivizes VARs who resell open networking solutions from Pica8 and ODM partners such as Dell and Edgecore. Includes deal registration, extra discounts, and pre-sales support.
- Dell TechnologiescoreDell Technologies is a hardware compatibility partner providing bare metal switches (100G, 25G, 10G, 1G, and Multi-Gig portfolios) that run PicOS software. Pica8 coordinates with Dell on quotes for bundled hardware and software orders, and provides hardware compatibility lists for Dell switch models.
- Edgecore NetworkscoreEdgecore Networks is a leading provider of traditional and open network solutions that partners with Pica8 for white-box switching. Joint webinars and go-to-market activities promote next-generation campus networks with IoT solutions. Edgecore distributors are eligible for Pica8's deal registration program.
- FS (FS.com)coreFS.com supplies white-box hardware compatible with PicOS software. Pica8 PicOS Enterprise Switches and Data Center Switches are sold through FS.com platform, with full hardware compatibility documentation available.
- DeltaminorDelta provides hardware compatibility for Pica8 PicOS software on select switch models.
- Aruba (HPE)coreAruba ClearPass Policy Manager integrates with PicOS for NAC-based zero-trust security. Pica8 provides deployment guides and NAC tutorials for Aruba ClearPass integration, enabling automated endpoint policy enforcement.
- CiscocoreCisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) integrates with PicOS for NAC-based security. Pica8 provides official deployment guides for Cisco ISE integration, enabling zero-trust security with existing Cisco infrastructure.
- NVIDIA (Cumulus Linux)minorNVIDIA acquired Cumulus Networks and ended support for Broadcom ASICs in February 2023. Pica8 positions PicOS as a migration destination for Cumulus Linux customers seeking continued Broadcom support.
- EPS GlobalcoreEPS Global is a channel partner and distributor for Pica8 open networking solutions. EPS Global provides open networking automation products on white-box hardware sourced with Pica8 software.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Pica8 competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Edgecore Networks: Edgecore is both a hardware distribution partner and an adjacent ODM that sells white-box switches running PicOS. As an ODM offering its own NOS in some accounts, Edgecore is an enabler but also a potential competitive channel for the underlying hardware.
Emerging players
- Pluribus Networks: Pluribus provides a Linux-based, fabric-oriented NOS for data center and campus leaf-spine networks, comparable to PicOS in architecture and target use cases but smaller in scale and customer footprint.
- DriveNets: DriveNets offers a disaggregated NOS for service provider and cloud networks, similar to Pica8 in being software-only and hardware-agnostic but focused on large-scale routing rather than enterprise switching fabrics.
- SONiC (Microsoft, open-source): SONiC is the open-source NOS originally built by Microsoft for hyperscale data centers and increasingly adopted by enterprises. It competes with PicOS on white-box switches but requires more internal engineering, which Pica8 positions AmpCon around automating.
Broad incumbents
- HPE Aruba Networking: Aruba's CX switching and ClearPass NAC compete for the same campus networking wallet Pica8 targets, and ClearPass is also a Pica8 integration partner. Aruba is a key comparable for the campus and zero-trust positioning.
- Arista Networks: Arista's EOS and CloudVision platform compete directly with PicOS and AmpCon for enterprise data center and campus switching. Arista is a much larger incumbent but addresses a narrower hardware footprint, while Pica8's hardware-agnostic positioning targets the long tail of white-box customers.
- Juniper Networks (Apstra): Juniper's Apstra intent-based networking and Mist AI compete with AmpCon's automation story. Juniper is one of the three legacy vendors Pica8 explicitly targets for displacement in Fortune 500 accounts.
- Cisco (Nexus, DNA Center): Cisco's Catalyst/Nexus switching and DNA Center automation are the primary incumbents Pica8 positions against. Cisco's installed base and Cisco ISE NAC integration is both a competitive threat and a co-existence vector Pica8 leverages for greenfield rollouts.
- NVIDIA Spectrum-X / NetQ: Post-Cumulus, NVIDIA is repositioning around Spectrum-X Ethernet for AI fabrics and NetQ automation, competing for the same AI-era data center networking dollars Pica8 targets with PicOS on Broadcom silicon.
Direct peers
- Cumulus Networks (NVIDIA): Pre-acquisition Cumulus was the most direct competitor to Pica8 as a Linux-based, hardware-agnostic network operating system for white-box switches. NVIDIA ended Broadcom ASIC support in Feb 2023, creating the migration opportunity Pica8 is actively pursuing.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Pica8 social profiles
Digital presencePica8 financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pica8 leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Pica8 funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pica8 M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pica8
What does Pica8 do?
Pica8 provides a disaggregated networking software platform built around two core products: PicOS, a hardware-agnostic network operating system built on Debian Linux that runs on white-box switches from Dell, Edgecore, and FS; and AmpCon, a low-code network automation controller delivering zero-touch provisioning, configuration management, compliance checking, and native Ansible integration. The platform targets enterprise campus, data center, branch, and IoT environments as an alternative to Cisco DNA Center, Juniper, and Arista solutions, and is sold via direct sales and channel partners as subscription or perpetual licenses.
Is Pica8 a public or private company?
Pica8 is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Pica8 founded?
Pica8 was founded in 2009. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Pica8 based?
Pica8 is headquartered in Palo Alto, United States, in the North America region.
How does Pica8 make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. PicOS Software Switch Licenses are the primary driver. The others are ampCon Network Controller Licenses, maintenance and Support Services and professional Services.
Who are Pica8's main competitors?
Edgecore Networks is listed as an others. Emerging players are Pluribus Networks, DriveNets and SONiC (Microsoft, open-source). Broad incumbents are HPE Aruba Networking, Arista Networks, Juniper Networks (Apstra), Cisco (Nexus, DNA Center) and NVIDIA Spectrum-X / NetQ. Cumulus Networks (NVIDIA) is listed as a direct peer.
Does Pica8 have an API?
Yes. Pica8's software includes REST APIs for integrating third-party software securely. AmpCon Network Controller has APIs built into the management platform at every tier. PicOS supports gNMI (gRPC Network Management Interface) for efficient and effective open telemetry. These APIs enable telemetry streaming for data collection and analytics. Developer documentation is at docs.pica8.com.
What industry is Pica8 in?
Pica8's product category is Network Infrastructure Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDABAFAB, Data Center Routing (Core/Border/EVPN), with a secondary code of HDAFABAE, Data Center Routing (Leaf-Spine/EVPN-VXLAN Gateways). Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 7373.