IBM Acquires Argus Software

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January 27, 2006 (2:13 PM EST)

By W. David Gardner , TechWeb Technology News

IBM said Friday that it acquired Argus semiconductor software and related IP property from Inficon. IBM pointed to the acquisition as an example of a broadening trend in which firms are increasingly collaborating in research and development.

IBM said it is working in closer partnership with clients in designing, creating and manufacturing new products and in this case it will meld Argus software for lithography advanced process control for semiconductor manufacturing into existing IBM operations. Financial terms of the acquisition were not released.

"This acquisition further expands and strengthens our portfolio of factory process control solutions," said Joseph Nemeth, vice president of Semiconductor Industry, IBM Engineering & Technology Services, in a statement. "We see the Argus product as providing a critical solution to the semiconductor industry in both lithography development and early prototype manufacturing."

IBM noted that it moved to improve its collaborative practices last week by creating a new business group called Technology Collaboration Solutions. The new unit combines IBM's OEM Microelectronics, Technology Development & Manufacturing, Engineering & Technology Services, Intellectual Property and OEM sales activities.