Intel has acquired two software companies as it continues to build its burgeoning portfolio to include more tools to write and manage programs and interfaces.
The company on Thursday announced the acquisition of Belfast-based Aepona and San Francisco-based Mashery, which offer software to help manage APIs (application programming interfaces) so partners can monetize services based on customer context.
For example, Aepona's API management tools can track location, device type and other features tied to a mobile connection, which can act as a basis for communication service providers to enable transactions such as one-time payments for services. Mashery also provides software to help partners manage API tools that have been deployed.
Intel was not immediately available for comment regarding terms of the acquisitions.
Much of the software offered by Aepona and Mashery is for mobile devices and mobile transactions, which fits with Intel's growing focus on smartphones and tablets. The unit will be integrated into the company's Services Division, Intel said in a statement.
The acquisitions come after Intel last week appointed Renee James, the former chief of the software division, to the role of president. As the second-in-command to CEO Brian Krzanich, James will help shape the company's hardware, software and services future.
Intel already offers a range of programming tools, some of which are tied closely to its x86 hardware products. It also owns Wind River, a real-time operating system for embedded products. The company also has an AppUp application store, where developers can sell applications for PCs and mobile devices.
