Wind River buys Norway's ICEsoft
By Liza Roberts, CBS MarketWatch.com
Last Update: 3:54 AM ET Aug 28, 2000 NewsWatch
Latest headlines
BERGEN, Norway (CBS.MW) - Wind River Systems, the Californian provider of software and services to smart devices, said Monday it has agreed to buy ICEsoft, a Norwegian maker of embedded Internet browsing technologies, for $24.5 million in cash.
Alameda, California-based Wind River (WIND: news, msgs) makes embedded software that works with hidden microprocessors to power products from laser printers to the control panels in fighter jets.
With the acquisition of ICEsoft, Wind River said it will be able to offer consumer electronics makers the ability to incorporate Web browsing and other functions into their products.
Making things smart
"The era of smart, connected devices is just beginning," said Tom St. Dennis, Wind River's president and chief executive. "Already millions, and very soon even billions, of devices will be connected to the Internet."
Consumer electronics like digital TVs, set-top boxes, screen phones and Web pads are all examples of the kinds of devices the two companies plan to target with their technology.
St. Dennis said the deal demonstrates Wind River's commitment to building the next generation of Internet appliance technology, and to developing new technologies in Europe and around the world.
Founded in Bergen, Norway in 1997, ICEsoft's XML language-based browser is written in the Java programming language. "Our Java-based technology is a natural fit with Wind River's...embedded Java capabilities," said Petter Bjorstad, ICEsoft's co-founder. "Together, we already successfully serve a large an growing global base of mutual customers." |
