WAN optimization, Tinsley argues, is a highly specialized technology, distinct from many other kinds of "optimization" currently being pitched.

"There's a lot of things that people would call 'optimization' that, I think, are not what we do, and we don't do what they do," he says.

According to Gartner Research Director Lawrence Pingree, many companies entered the market for various types of network accessory partially due to demand caused by the recent recession.

"A lot of the factors that we're seeing in the trend data that we have are probably because of that shift in mindset to consolidation, cost savings and eking out additional efficiency," he says.