Black Box Corporation
{{Short description|US technology company}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Black Box Corporation
| logo = Black Box Corporation logo.svg
| image = Black Box Building PlanoTX.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Black Box Headquarters in Plano, Texas
| type = Private
| traded_as = {{NASDAQ was|BBOX}}
| foundation = {{start date and age|1976|06|25}}, in Lawrence, Pennsylvania
| area_served = Worldwide
| parent = Essar Group
| key_people = Sanjeev Verma (CEO)
| num_employees = 3800
| services = IT Services
5G
Data Centers
Cyber Security
Unified communications
KVM
Digital Signage
Network Management
Network Security
WAN Optimization
| industry = Technology
| homepage = {{URL|www.blackbox.com}}
}}
Black Box Corporation is an IT company headquartered in Texas, United States.{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=BW Online |date=28 September 2022 |title=Middleweight Rank 2: Globally Aligned |url=https://www.businessworld.in/article/Middleweight-Rank-2-Globally-Aligned/28-09-2022-448404 |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=BW Businessworld |language=en}} The company provides technology assistance and consulting services to businesses in a variety of sectors including retail, transportation, government, education, and public safety. Black Box operates in 75 locations across 35 countries. In 2022, Black Box had more than 3,800 employees worldwide.{{Cite web |last=Results |first=Annual |date=March 2022 |title=Black Box Ltd. - Results Performance, Latest Financials, Stock Scores, and Fundamental Analysis |url=https://trendlyne.com/fundamentals/documents-annual-reports/39/BBOX/black-box-ltd/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=Trendlyne.com |language=en}}
History
The company was founded in 1976 as Expandor Inc. by Eugene Yost and Richard Raub on Beatty Road in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. They soon moved to 1121 Sainte Claire Plaza, suite 300 in Upper Saint Claire Pennsylvania. The first Engineer was Tom McElroy, hired on Thanksgiving Day in 1978. {{cite web |url= http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/postgazette/obituary.aspx?n=eugene-yost&pid=20265436 |title=Eugene Yost, Obituary |website=Legacy.com |date=December 13, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040056/http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/postgazette/obituary.aspx?n=eugene-yost&pid=20265436 |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://documents.mx/embed/vault-guide-to-top-tech-employers-2009 |title=Vault Guide to Top Tech Employers (2009) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030557/https://documents.mx/embed/vault-guide-to-top-tech-employers-2009 |archive-date=2017-12-01}} In 1982, the company changed its name to Black Box Corporation and released its well-known Black Box Catalog.{{Cite web |title=Black Box Corporation |work= PC Magazine |url= https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/38732/black-box-corporation |access-date=October 13, 2016 |url-status= live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018203247/http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/38732/black-box-corporation |archive-date= October 18, 2016 }}
Following a temporary dip in operations during Black Monday of 1987, Odyssey Partners bought the company through a leveraged buyout in 1988. In 1989, one of its divisions, “Interlan,” was sold to Racal.{{Cite web |title=Racal to acquire Interlan for $57 million - UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/04/25/Racal-to-acquire-Interlan-for-57-million/4468200000890/ |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=UPI |language=en}}{{Cite news |title= What does Rohm and Hass think about the Black Box Protocol Converter A/S-1?
|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=cKmJJd7R8PIC&pg=PA62 |work= Computerworld |date= November 24, 1980 |page=62 |access-date= October 13, 2016 }}
=1990s=
After suffering losses from debt servicing, Black Box Corporation underwent a restructuring in 1990.{{Cite news |date=July 17, 1990 |title=Black Box Hopes to Raise $98 Million With Offerings |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-17-fi-316-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018222356/http://articles.latimes.com/1990-07-17/business/fi-316_1_black-box-offered |archive-date=October 18, 2016}} Its telecom product business was divided into a subsidiary called Micom Communications Corporation. Under the name MB Communications, an initial public offering was registered at NASDAQ in December 1992. Micom Communications unit was spun off and acquired by Northern Telecom (Nortel) in June 1996.{{Cite web |date=June 17, 1996 |title=Schedule 13 D/A: Tender Offer Statement |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/920611/0000903423-96-000051.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018221135/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/920611/0000903423-96-000051.txt |archive-date=October 18, 2016 |access-date=October 14, 2016}} Micom had money troubles and did some kind of share buy back in 1988. All the other companies were gone and BB was left. BB was then considered the parent company of Micom.{{cite web |title=Post-Buyout Cuts Put Micom Back in the Black : Computers: The Simi Valley-based maker of communications equipment says layoffs and cost-cutting led to profit. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-11-14-fi-2042-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |date=14 November 1989}}
In May 1997, Black Box Corporation’s board of directors authorized management to buy back the company's stock, depending on market prices and other factors. In 1998, the company started offering on-site data and infrastructure services in the United Kingdom that further expanded throughout Europe and the Pacific Rim.{{cite web |title=Black Box History {{!}} Black Box Information |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/black-box-ltd/infocompanyhistory/companyid-12930.cms |website=The Economic Times |language=en}}
The profitable catalog sales business changed its name to Black Box Incorporated.{{Cite web |title=Black Box Corporation History |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/black-box-corporation-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018202502/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/black-box-corporation-history/ |archive-date=October 18, 2016 |access-date=October 13, 2016 |publisher=Funding Universe}}{{Cite web |date=February 14, 1994 |title=Form SC 13G/A |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/315066/0000315066-94-000729.txt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018203211/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/315066/0000315066-94-000729.txt |archive-date=October 18, 2016 |access-date=October 13, 2016 |publisher=US SEC}}
=2000s=
From 2000 to 2010, Black Box Corporation formed partnerships in the USA with key IT service providers, including Cisco, Avaya, NEC, and Unify. There were about 120 acquisitions and mergers overall.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vBwEAAAAMBAJ&q=micom&pg=PA9 |title=Network World |date=1989-06-05 |publisher=IDG Network World Inc |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Press |first=St. James |date=1998 |title=History of Black Box Corporation – FundingUniverse |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/black-box-corporation-history/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=www.fundinguniverse.com}}
AGC Networks
In Mumbai, AGC Networks Limited was established in 1986 under the name Tata Telecom Ltd., promoted by Tata Industries Ltd (TIL). Manufacturing electronic private automated branch exchanges (EPABX) was one of its main goals, and it also offered services like software integration, installation, commissioning, and service support.{{cite web |title=AGC Networks Limited |url=https://www.careratings.com/upload/CompanyFiles/PR/01032021104134_AGC_Networks_Limited.pdf |website=careratings.com}}
With the Japanese company OKI Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (OKI), Tata Industries Limited signed a technical assistance and license agreement as well as a supplemental agreement. The company established new service facilities in Guwahati, Nagpur, Pune, Jammu, and Baroda in 1990. With Japan Radio Co. Ltd. (JRC), the business signed a technology transfer and license agreement in 1991 for equipment with 30 and 120 digital UHF channels.{{cite web |title=Black Box Ltd. |url=https://www.business-standard.com/company/black-box-1079/information/company-history |website=Business Standard India}}
In order to create a new business called "Trans India Network Systems Private Limited," Tata Telecom and AT&T Network Systems International Inc. USA entered into a joint venture agreement in 1994. Its goal was to produce OPTIMUX and 2Mb/S systems, MAR systems, SLC 120 network access systems, and related modules.
As AT&T left, Tata Telecom and Avaya Systems established a joint venture in 1996. In India, Tata Telecom introduced a line of call centre products in 2000 that it had purchased from its joint venture partner Avaya Communications (formerly Lucent Technologies). Tata Telecom, the joint venture between Tata and Lucent Technologies, was known as a Tata-Avaya. Once the Tata Group sold its 25.1% ownership in Tata Telecom to its joint venture partner, Avaya Inc., the company Avaya Global Connect was created.{{cite web |title=BLACK BOX > Company History > Computers - Software > Company History of BLACK BOX - BSE: 500463, NSE: BBOX |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/company-facts/blackbox/history/AGC |website=Moneycontrol.com |language=en}}
AGC Networks Limited was created in 2010 after Essar Group purchased Avaya Global Connect from Avaya Inc.{{cite web |title=Essar to acquire Avaya stake in AGC Networks |url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/Essar-to-acquire-Avaya-stake-in-AGC-Networks/article16304603.ece |website=The Hindu |language=en-IN |date=30 May 2010}}
Transcend United Technologies, established in the US, was purchased by AGC Networks in 2011. Via this acquisition, AGC Networks widened its market reach to the States.{{cite web |last1=Shinde |first1=Shivani |title=AGC Networks acquires US-based Transcend United Technologies |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/agc-networks-acquires-us-based-transcend-united-technologies-113031800433_1.html |website=Business Standard India |date=18 March 2013}}
In 2015 AGC Networks acquired Ensource Business, providing services in healthcare vertical.{{cite web |title=AGC Networks acquire business of Ensourse Inc |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/announcements/agc-networks-acquire-businessensourse-inc-1564421.html |website=Moneycontrol |language=en}}
= Rebranding =
In 2019, Black Box Corporation was acquired by AGC Networks.{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=ET |date=January 2019 |title=AGC Networks completes acquisition of Black Box Corporation |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/software/agc-networks-completes-acquisition-of-black-box-corporation/articleshow/67455441.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2022-11-10}} In 2021, AGC Networks changed its name to Black Box.{{Cite web |last=News Service |first=India Infoline |date=November 2021 |title=AGC Networks sheds 2% after renamed as 'Black Box Limited' |url=https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-top-story/agc-networks-sheds-2-after-renamed-as-black-box-limited-121112600257_1.html |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=www.indiainfoline.com |language=en}}
Services and operations
The business is organized as follows:
- Black Box Global Solutions Integration (GSI) provides Connected Buildings, Digital Workplaces, Customer Experience, Data Centers, and Enterprise Networking Services.
- Black Box Technology Product Solutions (TPS) provides professional Audio Video, Networking, Cabling, KVM and IoT products.
- Black Box Xcelerate Services focuses on Consulting & Design, Project Management, Field Services, and Customer Success and Support Services.
Acquisitions
class="wikitable sortable" |
data-sort-type="text"|Name
! data-sort-type="date"|Acquisition date ! data-sort-type="text"|Activities ! data-sort-type="text"|Country of HQ ! | Description ! | Sources |
---|
Norstan
| December 2004 | voice services provider | The acquired company provided communication technology services. | {{cite web |title=Black Box acquires Norstan |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/72418/000095013404019612/c90661sc14d9.htm |website=www.sec.gov}}{{cite web |title=Black Box acquired Norstan |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2004/12/20/daily9.html |website=Bizjournals.com}} |
Universal Solutions of North America, LLC
| August 2005 | voice and data network systems | The acquired company provided data, voice, and hotline products and services when it was taken over. |
NextiraOne, LLC
| April 2006 | Telecommunication Services | The acquired company provided voice technology services. |
CBS Technologies Corp. (CBS)
| October 2009 | Telecommunication Services | The acquired company provided telecommunication services. |
Avaya Global Connect
| May 2010 | Unified Communications | India | Essar group Acquired IT wing of Avaya Global Connect in India and renamed it AGC Networks |
Logos Communications
| October 2010 | Unified communications, wireless LAN, routing & switching and security | The acquired company provided unified communications, wireless LAN, routing & switching. |
InnerWireless, Inc.
| January 2012 | In-building wireless Systems, Horizon4GTM Distributed Antenna System (DAS) | The acquired company provided communication solutions, especially Wireless communication. |
Transcend United
| March 2013 | Global IT systems integration | The acquired company provided Unified Communications, Data Center Infrastructure, and Managed Services. |
Ensource Inc.
| June 2015 | ICT solutions integrator | The acquired company provided services in the complex healthcare vertical market. |
Cloudium Systems Limited (IPR)
| April 2016 | KVM Products | The acquired company provided in IT services. |
Black Box
| January 2019 | Global Solution Integration & Technology Product Solution | Key business areas of Black Box were Solution Integration and Technology Products Solutions when it was acquired by AGC Networks. |
Fujisoft
| June 2020 | Cloud Solution | The acquired company provided IT Services company providing Cloud Computing & Virtualization services in the Middle East. |
Pyrios
| August 2020 | Cloud Solution | Pyrios was a cloud services company. |
Mobiquest
| October 2020 | mobile application design, development and support provider | The acquired company provided Mobile and smart sensor technologies and services. | {{cn|date=March 2024}} |
Z Services
| March 2021 | Cybersecurity & Cloud Solutions | UAE | The acquired company provided Cyber Security Cloud services provider in UAE. |
Dragon Fly
| March 2021 | Cybersecurity & Automation | The acquired company provided Cybersecurity, Enterprise Networking & Automation company in Australia. |
Awards
- TVB Europe Best of Show Award IBC 2022{{cite web |title=Best of Show at IBC 2022 winners announced |url=https://www.tvbeurope.com/business/best-of-show-at-ibc-2022-winners-announced |website=TVBEurope |date=11 September 2022}}
- Disability Equality Index, 2022 Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion{{cite web |last1=Treadwell |first1=Kristina |title=Best Places to Work - 2022 |url=https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/disability-equality-index/2022companies/ |website=Disability:IN}}
- Stevie Awards for consecutive years 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013{{cite web |title=Search All Past Stevie® Winners and Finalists {{!}} Stevie Awards |url=https://stevieawards.com/search-past-winners-and-finalists?site_type=&year=2021&company_name=Black+Box&award=&nomination_title=&country=&category_group=&state=&category=&city=&submitted_by=&industry=&items_per_page=10 |website=stevieawards.com}}
- 2020 NAB Show Product of the Year New York{{cite web |title=2nd Annual NAB Show Product of the Year Awards |url=https://nabshow.com/ny2020/sessions/2nd-annual-nab-show-product-of-the-year-awards/ |website=NABSHOW.com}}
- Digital Media World Awards - Special Merit 2019{{cite web |title=SPECIAL MERIT - Black Box Emerald Unified KVM |url=https://digitalmediaworld.tv/awards/94-awards2019/2673-black-box-emerald-unified-kvm |website=Digitalmediaworld.tv}}
- TMC Cyber Defense Awards 2014{{cite web |title=Black Box Network Services Wins Two Security Awards |url=https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/14/05/b4529659/black-box-network-services-wins-two-security-awards |publisher=Benzinga |language=English}}
- CRN Five-Star Awards 2013{{cite web |title=2013 Partner Programs Guide |url=https://www.crn.com/partner-program-guide/ppg2013.htm |website=CRN |language=en}}
Locations
Black Box has operations in the following locations:{{Needs citation|date=January 2024}}
;Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.
;America: Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, and the USA.
;Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom.
;Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
;Middle: East Saudi Arabia and UAE.
;Africa: Kenya.
File:BlackBox Building Lawrence PA.jpg|Black Box Corporation Building Lawrence, Pennsylvania, United States
File:Black_Box_Building_PlanoTX.jpg|Black Box Building Plano, Texas, United States
File:Black Box Building Bengaluru.jpg|Black Box Building Bengaluru, India
File:Black Box Reception Bengaluru.jpg|Black Box Reception Bengaluru, India
File:Black Box Reception Mumbai.jpg|Black Box Reception Mumbai, India
File:Black Box Building Mumbai.jpg|Black Box Building Mumbai, India
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Pittsburgh Corporations}}
Category:Telecommunications companies of the United States
Category:Telecommunications equipment vendors
Category:1975 establishments in Pennsylvania
Category:Telecommunications companies established in 1975
Category:American companies established in 1975
Category:Companies based in Washington County, Pennsylvania
Category:Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq