Intel spends $884m to straddle Wind River
Embedded systems are go
Intel is paying $884m for embedded software firm Wind River to pump up its efforts to push beyond its core PC markets.
The chip giant is offering $11.50 a share for the firm - its shares were changing hands yesterday for $8.
Wind River will become a subsidiary of Intel and continue selling embedded software. The idea is that it will expand Intel's market from its PC and server routes to embedded devices, car and infotainment systems, mobile internet devices and other gadgets.
The bid has been approved by Wind River's board but needs shareholder and regulator approval. It should close in the summer.
Wind River is based in Alameda, California, and employs 1,600 people. It turned over $359.7m last year. It claims to be the world leader in "device software optimisation" - for developing, running and managing software on devices.
Full release is here. ®
COMMENTS
@Why?
There are far more embedded x86 chips than you think. Not every embedded application requires the very low power requirements that arm gives you, while the x86 architecture married to PC type technologies such as PCI etc, together with a wealth of software support provides a very cost effective solution.
In fact virtually all industrial control applications are based on x86 technology of some sort. And these are just standard pentium 3's etc, Core and Core Duo are likely to make an either bigger impact.
Why?
x86 is the least likely embedded chip in the known universe. PPC maybe, ARM maybe, maybe even MIPS. But x86?
A very unsettling move...
This would give intel a headsup on other semis who ask for BSP (board support package) dev work for new chips, if WR even accepts the work.
Renewed focus on embedded
Slightly Odd in that Windriver are strongest on PPC.
It is part of a renewed focus by Intel on embedded and realtime after a long period of neglect. A long long time agon Intel had their own family of RTOSes (RMX).
What about PowerPC
Ouch!
I guess this is the beginning of the for PowerPC in the embedded market.
