Cisco Snaps Up Location Specialist ThinkSmart

Networking giant Cisco has acquired location analytics specialist ThinkSmart Technologies, which delivers customer movement information using data from wireless infrastructure and smartphones. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

ThinkSmart Technologies collects information on shopper movement within a venue, including time-of-day, traffic patterns, and dwell times. This information is used to help enterprises and venue operators identify appropriate staffing levels, reduce wait times, and improve customer flows.

Through the acquisition, Cisco will provide location intelligence and analytics to service providers, to enable them to analyse what is happening in their environments, and provide insight that can be used to drive new commercial opportunities and enhance end-user experiences.

As part of the deal, ThinkSmart will become part of the Wireless Networking Group and will be integrated into the Cisco Mobility Services Engine.

ThinkSmart was previously led by co-founder and CEO Brendan O'Brien (pictured).

Web sites: www.cisco.com and www.thinksmarttechnologies.com .