Over-the-air software management company Red Bend – we interviewed their vice-president of technology & new business earlier this year – has today acquired California-based VirtualLogix.
VirtualLogix describes itself as "a leading provider of Real-Time Virtualization technology for mobile handsets". Virtualisation is a trend that started in the enterprise market, running several different services on the same physical server but keeping each service securely separated from the others. Similarly, mobile virtualisation allows mobile hardware to run multiple virtual software environments ('virtual machines') at the same time. It means, for example, that different operating systems can run simultaneously on the same processor – or the same software can be run on different operating systems. Not only can this reduce engineering and development time, it can also offer end-users more features at lower prices.
Yoram Salinger, CEO of Red Bend Software, said "Today marks the beginning of a new era for Red Bend Software and a preview of what’s to come in the mobile industry. Mobile software management and mobile virtualization are converging, creating a strategic enabler for our customers to deliver the next generation of devices and services."
Glenda Dorchak, vice chairman and CEO of VirtualLogix, said "This acquisition uniquely positions Red Bend to provide customers with new capabilities for improving how handsets are developed, applications are delivered and services are provisioned, all of which will make virtualized mobile devices a mass-market reality."