about

Start your network automation now! racksnet® provides a cloud-based, vendor-agnostic solution for automating and managing IT networks, offering a unified interface across devices and driving secure, software-defined network innovation worldwide.

racksnet GmbH, founded in 2020 by Sebastian Fuhrmann, offers a cloud-based software solution designed to streamline IT network management for a diverse range of clients, including small, medium, and large enterprises, as well as IT service providers. The company positions itself within the growing market of cloud-based IT management and software-defined networking (SDN), addressing the complexities of operating multi-vendor network environments. The business model is centered on a subscription-based service, with licenses available for one, three, or five-year terms, which include bug fixes and new feature releases. The core of racksnet's offering is a software platform that automates and centralizes the control and management of network infrastructure. A key feature is its intuitive, uniform graphical user interface that works across hardware from different manufacturers such as DELL Technologies, Cisco Systems, and HPE Aruba. This approach eliminates the need for specialized knowledge of command-line interfaces (CLI) for each vendor, simplifying network operations. The platform facilitates network planning, configuration, administration, and documentation. It allows for the creation of template-based networks to enforce company-wide standards and supports zero-touch deployment for new hardware. For existing infrastructures, a network scan feature enables the import of current setups, a process known as brownfield adoption. Additional functionalities include the ability to clone network projects, migrate from one hardware manufacturer to another, and generate global inventory lists. The system also provides a comprehensive overview of network status, device operating conditions, and manages all network-related information and alarms. As a member of the Open Networking Foundation (ONF), racksnet demonstrates a commitment to open networking principles. This includes support for white-box and brite-box hardware and software, such as the open-source network operating system SONiC. This strategic alignment allows clients to avoid vendor lock-in and leverage cost-effective open networking hardware. The platform is globally accessible 24/7, providing administrators with the flexibility to manage their networks from any location. The founders, Sebastian Fuhrmann and Michael Harner, both have backgrounds as network engineers, which directly informs the development of a product designed to solve the practical challenges they encountered in their careers. Keywords: network management, cloud-based software, multi-vendor networks, software-defined networking, network automation, IT infrastructure, Open Networking, SONiC, network configuration, subscription service