Splunk Expands Cloud Observability Capabilities with Flowmill Purchase
Data analytics leader Splunk has acquired Flowmill, a Palo Alto-based network observability startup, as part of its ongoing strategy to enhance its observability platform. This marks Splunk’s third strategic acquisition in recent months, following its purchases of Plumbr and Rigor in October 2020.
Why Flowmill Matters for Cloud Monitoring
Flowmill specializes in:
- Real-time detection of network performance issues in cloud infrastructure
- Service-level traffic measurement for cost optimization
- Leveraging eBPF (extended Berkeley Packet Filter) technology for efficient monitoring
“Flowmill’s innovative NPM solution provides real-time observability into network behavior and performance of distributed cloud applications,” said Tim Tully, Splunk’s Chief Technology Officer. “This acquisition strengthens our ability to deliver best-in-class observability capabilities.”
The Strategic Importance of eBPF Technology
Flowmill utilizes eBPF, a cutting-edge Linux kernel capability that enables:
- Sandboxed code execution without kernel modifications
- Low-overhead monitoring of applications
- Enhanced visibility into cloud-native environments
Splunk’s Aggressive Observability Strategy
This acquisition follows Splunk’s pattern of strategic purchases to quickly expand its observability offerings:
- 2019: $1.05 billion acquisition of SignalFx
- 2020: Purchases of Plumbr and Rigor
- 2020: Flowmill acquisition (current)
“Flowmill’s approach aligns perfectly with Splunk’s vision for observability,” noted Flowmill CEO Jonathan Perry. “We’re excited to bring our eBPF expertise to Splunk’s Observability Suite.”
Market Context and Future Outlook
As enterprises modernize their tech stacks, demand for comprehensive observability tools continues to grow. Splunk’s acquisition strategy demonstrates:
- Commitment to building a complete observability platform
- Recognition of the need for specialized network monitoring capabilities
- Focus on real-time performance analytics for cloud environments
While the acquisition price remains undisclosed, Flowmill had previously received funding from notable investors including Amplify, Felicis Ventures, WestWave Capital, and UpWest.
For more information on Splunk’s previous acquisitions, see our coverage of their Plumbr and Rigor purchase.
