Acer buys iGware, makes a $320 million bet on the cloud

There’s no question that cloud computing has hit the mainstream — even the US federal government, which isn’t typically a front-runner when it comes to tech adoption, has taken the plunge . Now, Taiwanese hardware maker Acer , the world’s second largest PC manufacturer, has just joined the ranks of the sky-high elite, purchasing Silicon Valley-based iGware for $320 million. Acer’s acquisition of the little-known cloud computing firm will reportedly allow it to launch a cloud product next year, and is seen as a long-term strategic move for the tech giant. Despite its limited name recognition, iGware provides services that support more than 100 million consumer devices, including Nintendo gaming systems — the two companies are reportedly in talks over potential cooperation after the acquisition is complete. iGware may be a major player in the cloud computing space, but its single-page Microsoft Publisher-designed website doesn’t exactly scream nine-figure acquisition — we hope the company at least tied a pair of mylar balloons to the mailbox before Acer came knocking at Suite 100. Acer buys iGware, makes a $320 million bet on the cloud originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink

Posted by on July 21, 2011. Filed under News, Tech. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.