IBM Corp yesterday agreed to acquire Mylex Corp for around $240m to help build up its lower-end storage offerings for Unix and NT platforms. Mylex, best known for its RAID redundant array of inexpensive disk storage adapters and external controllers, will be integrated into IBM’s Technology Group, which sells to into the OEM market. IBM plans to use Mylex technologies within its existing hardware and software products, although Mylex products will also continue to be sold through distributors, VARs and system integrators for Unix and NT platforms, and to Mylex OEMs.
Mylex, formed back in 1983, is based in Fremont, California, with development facilities in Boulder, Colorado, and has around 300 employees. But the company over-extended itself over the last few years in an attempt to enter the network-attach storage business through its Network Power and Light subsidiary. It shut down NPL last year in an attempt to refocus on its core business, but recently sold off the technology to its German distributor, Lobster Computer Concept GmbH, retaining a 19% stake (CI No 3,697).
