Intel Boosts Software, Services Play With Mashery Acquisition

Intel confirmed the acquisition in a statement to CRN. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Intel said the acquisition is expected to close sometime during the current quarter.

Mashery was founded in 2006 and specializes in API management and offers a SaaS-based platform that helps businesses craft APIs to attract developers; the platform includes reporting analytics, a dedicated developer portal and an API control center. Some of Mashery's notable clients include Best Buy, Comcast, Coca-Cola Enterprises and The New York Times.

[Related: Intel Weathers PC Slump In Q1 Earnings, Touts Second-Half Rebound ]

"This acquisition is the next step in building an integrated Intel suite of services (cloud services, digital store fronts, location services, network services and security)," Intel's statement read. "Mashery brings technology and expertise in the management and exposure of enterprise APIs. Mashery’s expertise in key verticals will enable Intel to further provide user experiences enhanced by service capabilities."

Intel said it will extend employment offers "to the majority of Mashery's approximately 125 employees." Mashery will report to Intel's Services Division in the chip maker's Software And Services Group (SSG). The services division is a relatively new part of Intel's business, having been formed in 2011 to further expand the chip maker's presence outside of processors and hardware.

Mashery's technology and services could be used to help Intel strengthen its cloud offerings. The two companies had previously partnered to develop a joint solution, dubbed Intel's Expressway API Manager, to securely expose APIs in the cloud.

Todd Swank, senior director of product marketing at Equus, an Intel partner based in Minnetonka, Minn., said the acquisition is an interesting development for Intel's data center strategy.

"The opportunities there are staggering for building the cloud-enabled world we are all enjoying so much," Swank said. "Intel is a major player in the data center and the cloud today, and they're positioning themselves to make sure they stay that way for many years to come."

PUBLISHED APRIL 18, 2013