CloudBolt buys StormForge to boost Kubernetes optimisation

CloudBolt Software has acquired StormForge to enhance its platform's Kubernetes optimisation capabilities.

CloudBolt, a provider of cloud cost management solutions, has announced the acquisition of StormForge, known for its machine learning-powered Kubernetes resource optimisation. This acquisition aims to integrate StormForge's capabilities into CloudBolt's FinOps platform.

According to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation survey, 49% of organisations experienced increased cloud expenditure due to Kubernetes adoption, with 70% attributing overspend to workload overprovisioning. The acquisition aims to mitigate these issues by integrating machine learning into Kubernetes cost management, enabling better resource allocation and improved visibility.

StormForge's platform automatically adjusts resource requests and optimises Kubernetes workloads to minimise performance risks and reduce costs. This solution is particularly relevant for industries such as fintech and hosting platforms, where Kubernetes is crucial for modernisation.

Craig Hinkley, CEO of CloudBolt, commented, "StormForge's innovative approach to Kubernetes optimisation complements our vision perfectly. This acquisition is like two pieces of a puzzle snapping into place, seamlessly integrating their technology into our 3rd-generation FinOps platform. The market has been calling for a more unified, streamlined, and intelligent way to manage costs and optimise Kubernetes operations—together, we're delivering exactly that."

The acquisition follows CloudBolt's introduction of its Augmented FinOps plans in January 2024, which focus on AI and ML-driven cloud lifecycle optimisation. The integration of StormForge's capabilities seeks to further advance this vision and expand CloudBolt's expertise in intelligent cloud optimisation.

Rod Squires, CEO of StormForge, stated, "By combining our intelligent Kubernetes optimisation platform with CloudBolt's industry-leading cloud cost visibility, customers will now receive a closed loop solution, from reporting, through proven and powerful optimisation capabilities. Our shared goal is clear, to empower FinOps leaders with the tools that platform engineers trust, and break open the longstanding 'black box' of container spending. Together, we're making Kubernetes optimisation smarter, more transparent, and more actionable than ever before with a tool developed by engineers, for engineers."

Thomas Krane, Managing Director at Insight Partners, remarked on the significance of the acquisition, "This acquisition creates a powerhouse in the cloud cost optimisation space. The combination of CloudBolt's comprehensive FinOps capabilities with StormForge's Kubernetes-specific machine learning technology addresses one of the most significant pain points for enterprises today. Organisations can now implement a truly unified approach to cloud cost management across any cloud infrastructure."

As part of the acquisition, Yasmin Rajabi, StormForge's COO, will join CloudBolt's Executive Team as Chief Strategy Officer. John Platt, StormForge's founding engineer, will continue his role to enhance AI and ML across CloudBolt's platform.

StormForge, already part of CloudBolt's Technical Alliance Program, is available immediately within the CloudBolt platform, with further developments and integration announcements anticipated in the future.