The Black Box Corporation is an information technology services and product business that started in 1976 in Pennsylvania as a supplier of data communication equipment. Its strengths are the catalog, and services for KVM, Networking, Audio Visual (AV), and IT Infrastructure solutions. It was acquired in 2019 by AGC Networks, an Indian firm, and it was rebranded to Black Box Limited in 2021. Black Box Corporation is not a publicly held company on the Nasdaq anymore.
This information can vary and may be out-of-date. For current information, refer to the website of the company.
A short history
The 1970s and 1980s: from printer switches to a catalog
Black Box was established in 1976 under the name Expandor Inc. by Eugene Yost and Richard Raub. The first products produced by the company were printer switches, which earned the name black boxes due to their simplicity of function and appearance (being small black boxes). In 1982, Black Box Corporation changed its name from Expandor Inc. and issued a catalog of products in the fields of networking and data communication. The catalog got the nickname of Big Book and became the company’s hallmark for fast delivery of cables and connections.
The 1990s: Lawrence, Pennsylvania
The company’s headquarters was relocated from Simi Valley, California to Lawrence, Pennsylvania, which is near Pittsburgh, in the year 1990. That explains why so many web pages connect Black Box with Lawrence. It is listed on the Nasdaq with the stock symbol BOX.
The 2000s: from catalog to services
In the case of Black Box, networking and communication facilities were available on-site beginning from the late 1990s within the UK. After that, the company grew into Europe, Pacific Rim, and other geographical areas. The company went on to acquire many small companies providing IT services. As per the annual report of 2011, Black Box had more than 3,000 technical employees working out of 196 offices and catering to over 175,000 customers in 141 countries.
2019: acquired by AGC Networks
Acquisition of Black Box Corporation by AGC Networks Limited took place in January 2019. The listing of Black Box Corporation from Nasdaq was done. AGC Networks Limited was formed in Mumbai in 1986 with the name Tata Telecom Limited. Avaya left the company in 2010, and Essar took over AGC Networks Limited.
2021: AGC Networks becomes Black Box Limited
AGC Networks was renamed as Black Box Limited in November 2021. The Indian firm is listed in BSE and NSE with the ticker code BBOX and functions under the brand Black Box in the US, India, the Middle East, Africa, and other parts of the world.
What does Black Box offer?
The descriptions of public companies include:
- Network and infrastructure services: design, deployment, wiring, monitoring and maintenance
- Unified communications: voice, video and collaborative technologies
- Work related to data centers and 5G
- Network and Cyber Security
- KVM & AV Solutions, comprising digital signage and control room displays
- Managed services: Continuous monitoring and management of client networks
Key terms explained
What is KVM?
The KVM is short for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse. Purpose of KVM Switch: It enables the user to operate multiple computers or servers through one keyboard, monitor, and mouse. On the other hand, the KVM extender is used to send signals over a long distance.
What is AV over IP?
They transmit both audio and visual data over ordinary networking wires rather than dedicated video wires. This makes it simpler to control big screens like those installed in video walls in airports and command centers.
What is structured cabling?
It is a structured system that involves cables, panels, and ports through which computers and other devices in the building are interconnected. Malfunctioning wiring could be the cause of poor computer network performance.
What is a managed service?
The client pays a service provider to manage their technology, rather than having their own staff manage it for them.
Why Black Box matters
For many years, Black Box has remained one of the most recognized brands when it comes to providing networking devices as well as on-site IT services. The company’s history also reflects a general trend that is evident in the field: acquisition of older Western IT service companies by Indian technology companies.
Things to check before you rely on a source
There are many websites which tend to reproduce old data like Lawrence HQ, Nasdaq listing, or outdated figures on the number of employees/countries. Before quoting any figure, verify:
- The company’s About page itself
- Annual Reports of Exchange Filings of the listed company (Black Box Limited – BSE / NSE)
- Date of information
Frequently asked questions
What is Black Box Corporation?
Technology services and products firm established in 1976 and famous for their catalog, networking products, KVM and IT infrastructure services.
Who founded Black Box?
By Eugene Yost and Richard Raub in 1976 as Expandor Inc. It was rebranded as Black Box Corporation in 1982.
Where is Black Box headquartered?
The company had its base in Lawrence, Pennsylvania for a long time. But the most recent data about the company has mentioned Plano, Texas to be the US headquarters of the company. The parent company, Black Box Limited, is in India.
Who owns Black Box?
The above company was taken over by AGC Networks, which is currently known as Black Box Limited. The bigger parent organization is the Essar Group.
Is Black Box still listed on the Nasdaq?
Not really, as it had already been delisted owing to the merger that had taken place in the year 2019. The parent firm, originating from India, is listed BSE and NSE under the ticker symbol BBOX.
What is a KVM switch used for?
Control many computers using a single keyboard, mouse, and screen.
Is this investment advice?
Absolutely not! It is just general information regarding the background and services offered by the organization.
Sources and further reading
- Company Background on Black Box Corporation – www.blackbox.com
- Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States (SEC): Black Box Corporation Form 10-K (Fiscal Year 2011)
- Economic Times: AGC Networks Acquisition (2019)
- Wikipedia: Black Box Corporation
- India’s National Stock Exchanges BSE/NSE: Black Box Limited (BBOX) Filings