Cavium Networks has agreed to acquire MontaVista Software for
$50m, in a deal which confirms the growing importance of Linux
software support for processor suppliers.
Just nine months after Intel acquired Wind River for similar
strategic reasons, Linux and its growing importance in the embedded
processor market seems to have been the trigger for network
processor firm Cavium's move.
See blog:
Linux lies at the heart of another Silicon Valley
takeover
“Embedded Linux is poised for rapid growth,” said Rusty Harris,
President and CEO, MontaVista Software. “By becoming part of Cavium
Networks, MontaVista can confidently continue to offer industry
leading commercial grade embedded Linux, support and services to
our customers and partners.”
After the acquisition, MontaVista Software will run as a separate
operating unit and will retain the MontaVista brand name.
Cavium Networks also said it intends to continue the MontaVista
business model and support embedded Linux on multiple architectures
from multiple processor vendors.
Increasingly Linux is becoming the operating system of choice for a
range of embedded networking, wireless, consumer electronics and
mobile devices.
“Software is becoming an increasingly important part of the total
solution with the rapidly increasing adoption of multi-core
processors,” said Syed Ali, President and CEO of Cavium
Networks.
“This acquisition will complement Cavium’s market leading processor
portfolio with world-class software expertise and will enable us to
deliver highly compelling and differentiated solutions to the
market,” said Ali.
The deal is expected to close in December 2009.
See:
Wind River to be software company inside Intel, says Ken
Klein