Intel has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately held fabless semiconductor firm Fulcrum Microsystems that designs Ethernet switch silicon for data centre network providers.
With this acquisition, switch silicon of Fulcrum Microsystems is expected to complement Intel’s processors and Ethernet controllers, according to the company.
Intel vice president and general manager of Data Center Group Kirk Skaugen said Intel is transforming from a leading server technology company to a comprehensive data center provider that offers computing, storage and networking building blocks
"Fulcrum Microsystems’ switch silicon will deliver our customers new levels of performance and energy efficiency while improving their economics of cloud service delivery," Skaugen said.
The acquisition will fulfill an important component in Intel’s strategy to deliver comprehensive data center building blocks, from server processors and technologies to storage and networking.
Founded in 1999, California-based Fulcrum Microsystems designs integrated, standards-based 10GbE and 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) switch silicon that have low latency and workload balancing capabilities while helping provide superior network speeds.
The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Subject to the approval of Fulcrum Microsystems shareholders, regulatory approval and satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the agreement is expected to close in the third quarter this year.
