Brian NeSmith
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Brian NeSmith is a technology entrepreneur and CEO of Blue Coat Systems, Inc.
NeSmith graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1984, holding a Bachelors Degree in electrical engineering.
In 1993, NeSmith co-founded Newbridge Networks' Local Area Networking business, VIVID, and served as the unit's first general manager. Under his direction, VIVID developed and executed Newbridge's product strategy for Layer 3 Switched Routing products.
In 1995, NeSmith co-founded and was CEO of Ipsilon Networks, the pioneer of IP Switching technology. In 1997, Ipsilon was acquired by Nokia, where the Ipsilon products became the basis for Nokia firewall appliance. NeSmith served as general manager of the Nokia firewall appliance division. That business eventually grew US$500M annual revenue.
In March 1999, NeSmith was appointed President and CEO of then privately held CacheFlow. NeSmith took the company public in November 1999, and has led the company on a strategic evolution to Blue Coat Systems, profitability and the number one proxy appliance position worldwide.
Throughout his career, NeSmith has been a prominent figure in the IT industry, regularly speaking at industry events including Networld+Interop, Supercomm, InternetWorld and Technologic Partners' Network Outlook. NeSmith has also written for publications such as Network World, Data Communications, and InternetWeek. NeSmith is a frequent guest on network television programs such as CNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg.
As of 2006, NeSmith continues as Blue Coat's CEO.
