#2 Pertino Networks

Aim: Software-defined networking as a cloud-based service

Founded: 2011

Location: Cupertino, Calif.

Management: Former Packeteer CEO Craig Elliott, who's also an ex-Apple exec

Product Availability: Yet to be released

We know there are many companies out there who provide support for tech giants, in the name of SDN. But where Pertino networks stand out is that they provide their support in the SDN department for smaller and medium scale companies, who are eager to make their mark in cloud computing.

“Today's networking landscape is a box-centered world,” said Craig Elliott -- former head at network appliance company and Blue Coat Systems acquisition Packeteer Networks.

"There's a million companies selling boxes," he says. "If you want any sort of WAN optimization, security or another feature, basically that means you need to buy another box. That takes the mid-market and small market guys out of the picture,"

"It's too expensive and too complicated," he added

Also Read: 15 Most Expensive Domain Names of All Time

Also Read: 13 Windows Features That Got Killed On The Way