Chip maker ARM has agreed to buy Dutch firm Offspark for an undisclosed amount, as it looks to boost its security presence in the Internet of Things space.
Offspark, a specialist in security software for the IoT, provides Polar SSL technology, which is deployed in sensor modules, communication modules and smartphones.
The Polar SSL technology will become part of ARM’s mbed communication security and software cryptography strategy and will be rebranded as ARM mbed TLS.
ARM said the technology will remain open source and will be made available to developers using the ARM mbed platform to build IoT products and services.
"We have always said that security must be the foundation of any IoT system and the acquisition of Offspark is evidence of us making that happen," said Krisztian Flautner, general manager of ARM’s IoT business.
"PolarSSL technology is already deployed by the leading IoT players. The fact that those same companies also utilize ARM Cortex processor and software technologies means we are now able to provide a complete bedrock solution for the industry to innovate from."
Paul Bakker, CEO of Offspark, added: "Security is the most fundamental aspect in ensuring people trust IoT technology and that is only possible with a truly tailored solution. Together, ARM and Offspark can provide security to the edge of any system and we look forward to working with our partners to help them deliver some exciting new projects."
The deal comes after ARM recently poured £5.4m into PragmatIC Printing, an electronics IoT firm based in Cambridge.
