The Intel deal is said to enhance Intel's strategy of becoming a comprehensive data centre provider offering computing, storage and networking building blocks.

Intel's VP and GM in Data Centre Group, Kirk Skaugen says, "Fulcrum Microsystems' switch silicon, already recognised for high performance and low latency, complements Intel's leading processors and Ethernet controllers, and will deliver our customers new levels of performance and energy efficiency while improving their economics of cloud service delivery."

"10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) networks are one of the fastest-growing market segments in the data centre today. As demand for data continues to increase, there is a growing need for high-performance, low-latency network switches to support evolving cloud architectures and the growth of converged networks in the enterprise."

Fulcrum Microsystems design integrated, standards-base 10- and 40GbE switch silicon that have low latency  and workload balancing capabilities, while helping provide superior network speeds.

Cloud computing is driving the convergence of server, storage and network technologies and solutions based around Intel Xeon processor solutions. IP Data Centre customers need faster and more flexible networking solutions.

Fulcrum Microsystems is an important component in Intel's strategy to deliver comprehensive data centre building blocks, from server processors and technologies to storage and networking.

"Fulcrum Microsystems has architecture capabilities ideal for low-latency applications, and we are excited about the future possibilities of this technology as Fulcrum is acquired by Intel, the world's largest semiconductor manufacturer."

Co-founded in 1999,by (L2R) Uri Cummings and Andrew Lines,  Fulcrum Microsystems is based in Calabasas, California.



The agreement is subject to the approval of Fulcrum Microsystems shareholders, regulatory approval and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. and expected to close 3Q 2011.

VERIFICATION ROUTE
Processor intellectual property licensor ARM Holdings plc has acquired Obsidian Software Inc, a privately held company that has been providing processor verification products, verification consulting and training services to processor designers since 1997. The amount being paid  was not disclosed.

"ARM and Obsidian Software have  a long relationship which started with early work on Cortex-A8," said Mike Inglis, GM and executive VP of ARM's processor division.

"The technology and people that will come with this acquisition are a significant addition to our capabilities in maximizing quality and reducing time to market of ARM based SoCs.”

"Obsidian Software has a long history of building advanced verification tools for the ARM architecture and enabling ARM partners," agrees president of Obsidian Software, Eric Hennenhoefer.

"The ARM ecosystem will be extended by the addition of Obsidian Software's verification solutions, which will accelerate the success of the ARM architecture in the marketplace."

Obsidian's verification team will be swallowed into ARM’s counterpart division, but will remain based in Texas as part of an ARM processor validation team based in Austin.

Obsidian's best known product is its Random Architecture Verification Engine,(RAVEN) a processor verification tool for generating stimuli in standard and custom processor cores.  ARM is to honor all existing contractual agreements between Obsidian and its customers.