Meter, a networking startup, draws inspiration from the legendary Steve Jobs, aiming to revolutionize the industry with its innovative approach. CEO and co-founder Anil Varanasi, in a bold statement, emphasizes the fundamental role of networking in our digital world, comparing it to the concept of packets and containers in data transmission. He highlights the declining number of networking engineers despite the increasing demand for networks, devices, and data, and introduces Meter's ambitious goal of enhancing networking through advanced AI techniques.
Varanasi's vision aligns with Jobs' philosophy, advocating for a comprehensive approach to networking, encompassing hardware, firmware, operating systems, software, APIs, and AI models. This strategy positions Meter as a formidable competitor in the market, challenging industry giants like Arista, Palo Alto Networks, and Cisco. The company's recent Series C funding of $170 million further solidifies its position in the industry.
Meter's hardware design philosophy is a unique aspect of its strategy. Varanasi emphasizes the importance of aesthetics and functionality in hardware, drawing a parallel to Apple's design philosophy. The company's hardware is designed to be visually appealing and user-friendly, with attention to detail in every aspect. Joshua Markell, the head of hardware, shares his passion for creating beautiful and well-crafted networking equipment, ensuring that even the smallest details are meticulously considered.
However, the company's business model raises some questions. While Meter's customers benefit from its cloud-managed networking services, they do not own the physical hardware. This model, known as networking-as-a-service, has been a topic of discussion, with Ethernet co-inventor Bob Metcalfe suggesting that it may be a bubble. The industry is watching closely as Meter continues to innovate and challenge traditional networking practices.
