Computerworld

Citrix to Acquire Java Developer for $US40 Million

Citrix Systems announced in the US last week that it plans to acquire privately held company APM of England, for $US40 million in cash, adding Java capabilities to Citrix's Thin client/server software offerings.

Under the terms of the deal, APM's development team will join Citrix at its new research and development centre in Cambridge, England, where APM is currently based.

Digitivity, APM's wholly-owned product arm, makes server software that helps deploy and manage Java applications across the Internet and intranets. APM, meanwhile, offers IT research and consulting services.

According to Gabrielle Seacy, Citrix is focused on the development of products which enhance the deployment of Java applications, particularly, in the Winframe and Metaframe environments.

"The acquisition of APM will allow us to bring more innovative solutions to the market, and is in line with our aim of bringing any application to any device over any network connection," she told ARN.

"There are no specific product development plans yet," she added.

Edward Iacobucci, Citrix' Vice President of Strategy & Technology, said that Digitivity's technology will allow Citrix to extend the capability of its ICA architecture and provide more robust support for the Java environment.

Citrix did not reveal how it plans to integrate APM's products and services into its business. Pricing, packaging and availability of new products based on the acquisition will be announced at a later date.