Intel acquires Nervana Systems

Tech giant Intel has acquired California based deep learning start-up Nervana Systems run by an Indian origin Entrepreneur, allowing the chip maker to foray into the world of Artificial Intelligence. Nervana has a fully optimized software and hardware stack for deep learning.

Nervana Engine and silicon expertise will advance Intel AI portfolio and enhance the deep learning performance. Intel has the best semiconductor technology in the world. Nervana AI expertise combined with Intel capabilities and huge market reach will allow Intel to realize vision and create something truly special. Intel will apply Nervana software expertise to further optimize the Intel Math Kernel Library and its integration into industry standard frameworks.

With this deal, Intel will now shatter the old paradigm and move into a new regime of computing. The semiconductor integrated circuit is one of humanity crowning achievements. Intel is one of the world largest and highest valued semiconductor chip makers based on revenue. Buy selling to Intel, Nervana has access to technology.

BlackBerry acquires Good Technology

Canada’s BlackBerry Ltd said it will buy rival mobile software provider Good Technology Corp for $425 Million to boost its ability to help corporate clients manage smartphones running on different operating systems. The cash deal may help BlackBerry a one-time smartphone pioneer win new customers for its service business.

BlackBerry shifts focus to device management software for enterprise customers. More than half the devices running on Good’s systems are Apple Inc. products such as the iPhone. Company expects to realize about $160 Million in revenue from the acquisition in the first year after the deal closes.

BlackBerry has recently made acquisitions to expand its services business. Earlier they had announced deals for Secusmart, Movirtu, and WatchDox. BlackBerry has always been about delivering secure mobile solutions. It’s easy to forget now that BlackBerry was once the undisputed leader in enterprise mobility, but when Apple and Android came along, BlackBerry quickly lost its dominant position.

Overall, this looks like it could be a good deal for both companies, giving Good Technologies a soft landing without having to risk the dangers of IPOing in an increasingly hostile market, while filling out BlackBerry growing security platform without putting out a huge amount of cash.