IBM Acquires ARGUS Semiconductor Software From INFICON

IBM today announced that it has acquired INFICON's ARGUS® semiconductor software and related intellectual property, a leading system for lithography advanced process control for semiconductor manufacturing. Advanced process control capability is an area that is becoming increasingly important for clients, as they look for ways to implement real-time capabilities, collaborate using best of breed technologies, and lower manufacturing costs in the process of semiconductor manufacturing. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

INFICON's ARGUS software is an advanced process control system used to control the lithography process for semiconductor manufacturing. The software provides users with real-time run-to-run capability to control processes using measurement results from upstream and downstream processes, which can help to improve process yield, reduce lithography rework and improve the production ramp up.

"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. "We see the ARGUS product as providing a critical solution to the semiconductor industry in both lithography development and early prototype manufacturing and it will be a true asset to our clients."

The combination of the ARGUS software, existing Engineering & Technology Services (E&TS) capabilities and IBM's deep technology expertise and intellectual property will enhance IBM's ability to provide semiconductor manufacturing customers with a comprehensive end to end solution.

IBM's E&TS and Microelectronics businesses will continue to provide global sales, support, and services coverage to the roster of ARGUS software clients. Critical development and support personnel from INFICON will join IBM.

Today's acquisition is part of a broader strategy to take advantage of a major shift occurring in the market where companies are reinventing their R&D process and collaborating in order to achieve the new level of innovation necessary for survival. As part of that strategy, IBM has integrated its E&TS, OEM Microelectronics, Technology Development & Manufacturing, Intellectual Property and OEM sales divisions into a new Technology Collaboration Solutions unit, working in partnership with clients to design, create and manufacture new products, dramatically reducing time to market from years to months, allowing clients to rapidly enter new markets and drive incremental growth for their businesses.

About IBM Engineering & Technology Services

IBM Engineering & Technology Services (E&TS) combines the skills of IBM engineers, consultants and technical professionals, with IBM's leading edge technology and access to its intellectual property assets within the IBM company, to enable a new level of collaborative innovation between IBM and its clients. IBM E&TS engages clients across industries, including aerospace and defense, automotive, consumer electronics, finance, telecommunications, and medical, teaming to help clients reinvent research & development, create unique products and solutions, bring those solutions to market faster, and provide them support in finding new market and revenue opportunities to help clients transform their businesses.

These services are offered in Canada under the name IBM E&TS, and are offered elsewhere in the world by IBM Corporation under the name IBM Engineering & Technology Services.

IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with over 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers, large and small, to take full advantage of the new era of On Demand business. For more information about IBM and its Engineering & Technology Services business unit, visit: http://www.ibm.com/technology.

Contact:

Charles Zinkowski

IBM Media Relations

646-598-6174

charlesz@us.ibm.com

SOURCE: IBM

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