Intel acquires embedded technology giant

Wind River Systems Inc is now an Intel subsidiary

Intel has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wind River Systems Inc for approximately $884 million (R7.12 billion).

Wind River is a software vendor in embedded devices, and will become part of Intel’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,” said Renee James, Intel vice president and general manager of the company’s Software and Services Group.

As an Intel subsidiary, Wind River will continue to develop commercial-grade software platforms that support multiple hardware architectures.

“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.”

Wind River, which was founded in 1981, develops operating systems, middleware, and software design tools for a variety of embedded computing systems. Its main products include VxWorks and commercial-grade Linux software platforms.

Locally the acquisition may serve to strengthen Intel’s initiative with iBurst to roll out embedded Wimax laptops to the consumer market in early 2010.