Intel has announced today that it is acquiring software-maker Wind River Systems for $884 million. Wind River makes embedded devices.
Embedded systems and mobile devices include smart phones, mobile Internet devices, other consumer electronics (CE) devices, in-car “info-tainment” systems and other automotive areas, networking equipment, aerospace and defense, energy and thousands of other devices.
Intel says Wind River will become part of the company’s strategy to grow its processor and software presence outside the traditional PC and server market segments into embedded systems and mobile handheld devices.
“This acquisition will bring us complementary, market-leading software assets and an incredibly talented group of people to help us continue to grow our embedded systems and mobile device capabilities,” says Renee James, Intel vice president and general manager of the company’s Software and Services Group. “Wind River has thousands of customers in a wide range of markets, and now both companies will be better positioned to meet growth opportunities in these areas.”
“Our combination of strengths will be of great benefit to Wind River’s existing and future customers,” said Ken Klein, Wind River Chairman, president and CEO. “As a wholly owned subsidiary, Wind River will more tightly align its software expertise to Intel’s platforms to speed the pace of progress and software innovation. We remain committed to continuing to provide leading solutions across multiple hardware architectures and delivering the same world-class support to which our customers have grown accustomed.”
The acquisition has been unanimously approved by Wind River’s board of directors, and the deal is expected to close before the summer is over. Renee James, head of Intel’s Software and Services Group, will assume control of the Wind River division.
