Intel is making another move in its aggressive mobile-computing push by buying wireless-networking software maker SySDSoft, which is based in Egypt.
Intel is
continuing to grow its mobile ambitions, most recently with the acquisition of
Egyptian company SySDSoft, which makes wireless-networking software,
particularly in the area of 4G.
Intel, through
its independent subsidiary Intel Mobile Communications, announced the deal
March 14. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
The SySDSoft
deal is the latest move by Intel to make inroads into the smartphone and tablet
markets, currently dominated by processors based on designs from ARM Holdings.
Intel is dominant in desktop, laptop and server chips, but has little presence
right now in the mobile world. However, Intel CEO Paul Otellini has made no
secret of his desire to gain a significant foothold in the highly profitable
and fast-growing space.
In October
2010, Otellini said Intel would become a
major player in the tablet space with its Atom processor
platform.
Intel this
year also closed on its
$1.4 billion acquisition of Infineon Technologies' wireless
chip business, another effort to become a presence in the Internet-connected
mobile-device space. Customers of that business have included Apple, Samsung
and Nokia.
SySDSoft is
known for making networking-software products, including offerings in the LTE
(Long-Term Evolution) 4G space. Intel said it has hired about 100 of the
company's electrical engineers and computer scientists.
Hermann Eul,
president of Intel Mobile Communications, said that as the mobile Internet
space continues to grow and the number of connected devices rises, Intel will
figure prominently in the space.
"As we enter
an era of multi-communication broadband solutions, Intel's products and
technologies will be important to our vision of billions of connected devices,"
Eul said in a statement. "Intel is making the necessary investments to further
enhance its existing world-class wireless product portfolio and to offer the
most reliable platforms to our customers that will work seamlessly across a
range of global networks.
"The
acquisition supports this strategy, and we believe that SySDSoft's proven and
experienced engineering team, combined with Intel Mobile Communications'
existing wireless strength, positions us well for continued growth in LTE," he
continued.
Intel has been
looking to grow its business beyond the mature PC and server markets. Intel
Mobile Communications is a key part of the strategy to move the company into
the mobile Internet space and to help create energy-efficient, always-connected
computing platforms, according to the company. Security also is a key part of
the equation, which fueled Intel's $7.6 billion acquisition of
security software maker McAfee.
The SySDSoft
deal also is an indication of the chip maker's interest in investments in the
Middle East, even during such volatile times, according to Arvind Sodhani,
president of Intel Capital and an executive vice president at Intel.
"The
acquisition of engineering and design talent from an Egypt-based company in the
field of cutting-edge wireless and communication technology is the first of its
kind for Intel in the Middle East," Sodhani said in a statement. "The
acquisition shows Intel's continued long-term strategic commitment to the
region and its appreciation of its young, growing talent pool."
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