Mobile browser-maker Access Co. announced Friday that it will acquire Palm OS developer PalmSource in an all-cash transaction for approximately $324 million.
The acquisition adds operating system platform expertise and Linux development resources to Accesss existing mobile device-oriented “content delivery and Internet access software,” the companies said.
Widely deployed embedded browser
Accesss NetFront browser has been widely deployed in mobile phones, PDAs, set-top boxes, digital TVs, automotive telematics systems, and other Internet devices, according to the company.
NetFront v3.3 features enhanced DHTML (Dynamic HTML) support, frame handling, pop-up blocking and RSS, as well as support for Atom Feed, international domains, encryption and password management.
Access claims that NetFront has 150 million deployments in 342 unique devices from 90 manufacturers, making it perhaps the worlds most ubiquitous embedded browser. It supports Linux, Palm, Symbian, Windows Mobile/PocketPC, BREW, and other embedded operating systems.
PalmSources Linux fortunes
PalmSource announced last December that it planned to offer PalmOS as a middleware and application stack for Linux mobile phones.
“PalmOS for Linux” would target smart-phone manufacturers in China, initially, it said. Additionally, the company announced that it had acquired successful mobile phone application software startup China MobileSoft, to help it gain a foothold in China.