ARM wanted to emphasize the importance of ensuring security in the Internet of Things. In order to achieve this, the company acquired the Dutch-based firm Offspark that specializes in Internet of Things communications security. Since it is mandatory for all IoT deployments to prioritize security, the acquisition will allow developers who are into the company's mbed network to design products and build them under the IoT umbrella with superb software cryptography and communication security. Definitely, ARM would be able to add its security and software cryptography to the IoT platform which is designed to create an online link of billions of devices.
Offspark's PolarSSL technology is now deployed in a number of devices which include smartphones, communication modules and sensor modules. It is the IoT's most extensive (TLS) Transport Layer Security solution. According to ARM, the technology shall remain in an open source stage and that it will be made available for commercial usage to the developers.
According to Krisztian Flautner, ARM's IoT business general manager, the technology involved in PolarSSL is already utilized by the leading IoT players.
"We are now able to provide a complete bedrock solution for the industry to innovate from," said Flautner.
The ARM technology has enabled new markets to emerge and industries to transform. The company is into designing processors that are scalable and energy-efficient including related technologies in order to provide the best form of applications which range from sensors to servers. These would include tablets, smartphones, enterprise infrastructure and the IoT.
Paul Bakker, Offspark's CEO, said that for people to trust IoT technology, security must be emphasized. This can only be made possible by creating an authentic tailored solution. He added that working together with ARM would allow the two companies to provide an edge-stretched security to any system.
"We look forward to working with our partners to help them deliver some exciting new projects," said Bakker.
ARM is releasing mbed OS under the Apache license version 2.0. This includes mbed TLS, Thread and more towards the end of 2015. Currently, the mbed TLS 1.3.10 can now be accessed on the official polarssl.org.
