
Ksplice
Rebootless linux distribution solutions for hosting service providers.
Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
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N/A | €0.0 | round | |
investor | €0.0 | round | |
investor | €0.0 | round | |
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Total Funding | 000k |
Ksplice was a software company that developed a distinctive kernel updating technology for Linux systems. Founded in 2008 by four MIT graduates, Jeff Arnold, Waseem Daher, Tim Abbott, and Anders Kaseorg, the company emerged from their own experiences with the disruptive nature of system reboots required for security patches.
The founders' journey began during their time at MIT, where they grew frustrated with the operational downtime and security vulnerabilities associated with traditional kernel updates. This firsthand experience directly informed the development of Ksplice's core product. The technology allowed for the application of security patches to the Linux kernel without needing to reboot the system, a significant operational advantage for enterprises running critical infrastructure. This rebootless update capability ensured continuous service availability and immediate protection against newly discovered vulnerabilities, addressing a major pain point for system administrators and IT departments.
Ksplice's business model was centered on selling this technology as a subscription service. The primary clients were enterprises and hosting providers that relied on Linux-based servers for their operations. The service provided a stream of pre-packaged, rebootless updates for various Linux distributions, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, CentOS, Fedora, Debian, and Ubuntu. The value proposition was clear: enhanced security and increased uptime, leading to lower operational costs and reduced risk. The market for this service was substantial, encompassing any organization that valued uninterrupted server operation and robust security posture.
In July 2011, Oracle Corporation acquired Ksplice for an undisclosed sum, integrating its technology into Oracle's own Linux offerings. Following the acquisition, the technology became a key feature of Oracle Linux, offered under the name Oracle Ksplice. This strategic move by Oracle underscored the value and effectiveness of the rebootless update technology, providing its enterprise customers with a powerful tool for maintaining system security and stability without scheduled downtime.
Keywords: rebootless updates, kernel patching, Linux security, system administration, uptime, Oracle Linux, enterprise software, cybersecurity, patch management, system stability