Intel acquires McAfee, unveils processors to manage stress

Intel Corporation, last weekend, announced the conclusion of a deal to acquire McAfee Incorporated by purchasing all of the security solution firm’s common stock at $48, about N7,221, per share in cash for approximately $7.68 billion, about N 1,1 trillion.

This development came as Intel unveiled its 2010 core processors for the management of stress.

Intel president, Mr. Paul Otellini, confirmed this development, saying that both boards of directors have unanimously approved the deal, which is expected to close after McAfee shareholder approval, regulatory clearances and other customary conditions specified in the agreement.

He said that the acquisition reflects that security is now a fundamental component of online computing, hence today’s security approach does not fully address the billions of new Internet-ready devices connecting, including mobile and wireless devices, TVs, cars, medical devices and Automated Teller Machines (ATM) machines as well as the accompanying surge in cyber threats.

He also said that by providing protection to a diverse online world requires a fundamentally new approach involving software, hardware and services.

He disclosed that Intel tends to prioritize security to be on par with its strategic focus areas in energy-efficient performance and Internet connectivity.

McAfee, he said, which has enjoyed double-digit, year-over-year growth and nearly 80 per cent gross margins last year, would now become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intel, reporting into Intel’s Software and Services Group.

The group is managed by Renée James, Intel senior vice president, and general manager of the group.

“With the rapid expansion of growth across a vast array of Internet-connected devices, more and more of the elements of our lives have moved online,” Otellini said, noting that in the past, energy-efficient performance and connectivity have defined computing requirements.

“Looking forward, security will join those as a third pillar of what people demand from all computing experiences. The addition of McAfee products and technologies into the Intel computing portfolio brings us incredibly talented people with a track record of delivering security innovations, products and services that the industry and consumers trust to make connecting to the Internet safer and more secure,” Otellini said.

Also speaking, Renee James said that hardware-enhanced security would lead to breakthroughs in effectively countering the increasingly sophisticated threats of today and tomorrow.

“This acquisition is consistent with our software and services strategy to deliver an outstanding computing experience in fast-growing business areas, especially around the move to wireless mobility,” she said, adding that the next step in this kind of strategy for McAfee was the right security partner.

“Our current work together has impressive prospects, and we look forward to introducing a product from our strategic partnership next year,” she said.

For the chief executive officer, McAfee, Mr. Dave DeWalt, the cyber threat landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years, with millions of new threats appearing every month.

“We believe this acquisition will result in our ability to deliver a safer, more secure and trusted Internet-enabled device experience,” he said.

Meanwhile, in an effort to address the Hourglass Syndrome and reduce time waste, Intel unveiled the new 2010 Intel Core family of processors, smart technology that is faster with new feature called Intel Turbo Boost Technology1.

Hourglass Syndrome is a term coined by Intel to describe the situation that many consumers face while waiting for their technology to keep up with the speed of life.

With this new feature, Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors can automatically adapt to an individual’s performance needs, giving the boost users need to speed up and save energy thereby reducing the waiting time.

Applications are faster, and the PC is more responsive, even as you multi-task.
Director of Intel’s Consumer PC Marketing, Karen Regis was quoted as saying that over the past five years, much has changed in the way people use technology, including the launch of YouTube in 2006, Facebook exploding to more than 400 million users, high-definition (HD) content online, massive growth in digital photography sharing sites and consumers demanding faster and easier video streaming and editing capabilities.

“Consumers need a PC that gives them the freedom to handle it all without suffering from the Hourglass Syndrome,” he said, stressing that Intel understands how stressful technology could be, therefore it is determined to design products that could improve the quality of life and lower stress levels of computing, as opposed to increasing them.

Intel further announced the teaming up with psychology expert Cooper Lawrence to provide people with tips on how to better handle stress.

“Mindful stress management is very important,” said Lawrence, noting that the more prepared people seem, the easier it could be to manage their stress.

“Simple tips to deal with increased stress include having a support network, developing a sense of control and generally just changing your outlook,” Lawrence said.

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