Microprocessor IP (intellectual property) vendor ARM Ltd. has successfully established a joint venture in China, as part of an investment in Shenzhen-based embedded specialist Embest Info and Tech Co. Embest previously helped localize ARM's RealView MDK (microcontroller development kit) and distribute it in China.

ARM's relationship with Embest began in 2004, when Embest became an ARM-approved training center. More recently, ARM and Embest in May completed joint development work on a Chinese version of the ARM RealView MDK. Embest also became ARM's official tools distributor this spring, offering the ARM MDK for as little as 5,000 Chinese RMB (approx. $660) to Chinese customers, ARM said.

ARM said its investment in Embest demonstrates its commitment to the Chinese embedded system community. Dr. Jun Tan, president of ARM, China, stated, “China is now one of the most important markets in the world for ARM.”

Tan added, “ARM has been working with many local Partners such as Embest to establish a comprehensive ecosystem which can provide complete local supply and support to the Chinese embedded system industry. This first-ever joint venture is another milestone for ARM after five years of operation in this market.”

Liu Chi, GM at Embest, stated, “This joint venture investment will enable us to deepen our access to ARM technologies and design expertise. This will further enrich our offerings to Chinese customers and help them better use our services.”

Besides developing and distributing embedded development tools, Embest sells about 30 different single-board computers (SBCs) and processor modules, most of which support both Linux and Windows CE. Its Linux-friendly SBCs include the SBC-2440-I and SBC-2440-II, NK9315, and the EM104V1, a two-board PC/104 sandwich design.

China became the world's third-largest chip designer in 2005. It is currently the second-largest consumer of semiconductors, but is projected to surpass the U.S. in chip consumption in 2008, according to a Frost and Sullivan study.

 
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