ARM buys Internet of Things security company Offspark

ARM has acquired Internet of Things (IoT) security company Offspark to boost its expertise in the space.

Offspark developed the PolarSSL secure communications network used by a wide range of IoT devices. It will be embedded into ARM's mbed platform, although both companies are assuring other users it will remain completely open source post-acquisition.

However, the name of the product will be changed to mbed TLS to express new ownership, despite remaining available for commercial use under an Apache 2.0 licence.

Krisztian Flautner, general manager of IoT business for ARM, said: "We have always said that security must be the foundation of any IoT system and the acquisition of Offspark is evidence of us making that happen.

"PolarSSL technology is already deployed by the leading IoT players. The fact that those same companies also utilize ARM Cortex processor and software technologies means we are now able to provide a complete bedrock solution for the industry to innovate from."

The expertise and experience provided by Offspark is apparently the reason ARM made the decision to acquire it, rather than to solely take onboard the PolarSSL security solution.

Paul Bakker, CEO of Offspark, added: "ARM is undeniably the front-runner in the embedded world and combining with them is the perfect way of scaling our business. Security is the most fundamental aspect in ensuring people trust IoT technology and that is only possible with a truly tailored solution.

"Together, ARM and Offspark can provide security to the edge of any system and we look forward to working with our partners to help them deliver some exciting new projects."

ARM's mbed platform, with mbed OS, will be rolled out later in 2015, although an early development platform is already available to selected developers.