Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Washington, DC—QNX Software Systems recently accepted an offer to be bought by Harman International Industries Inc., which makes Harman Kardon, JBL, and Becker audio speakers and other products.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Washington, DC— QNX Software Systems recently accepted an offer to be bought by Harman International Industries Inc. , which makes Harman Kardon, JBL, and Becker audio speakers and other products. QNX reports that the acquisition will accelerate its growth, and help it become the preferred operating system for advanced embedded applications.
Harman reports one of the main reasons for its purchase was QNX’s Neutrino real-time operating system (RTOS). Both companies expect an expanding role for the RTOS, especially in the automotive market, and plan to establish QNX Neutrino as the de facto standard in that industry. They adds that bringing QNX under Harman’s umbrella will allow each to contribute to this process, and speed up innovation in the industry.
QNX and Harman say their agreement comes at a time when sophisticated software systems are becoming the foundation of an increasing number of integrated devices, including infotainment systems, smart phones, and networking gear. QNX adds that having Harman as its parent company will help it continue its leadership in these critical areas; push the industry forward; and ensure that its users benefit from its new resources and influence.
Under the terms of the agreement, QNX will operate as a separate Harman division, and will continue to be led by its existing management team, including its co-founder and CEO, Dan Dodge. All of QNX’s offices and operations will remain in place, and will continue to serve and grow QNX’s target markets, including automotive, networking, medical instrumentation, and industrial control. As is the established practice in Harman’s other subsidiaries, QNX will continue to provide advanced software and engineering services to all of its existing customers, including Harman’s competitors.
‘My vision for QNX remains steadfast. We will remain the top brand for OS reliability, the proving ground for innovation, and a fiercely customer-centric organization,’ says Dodge. ‘Together with Harman, we will continue our leadership, setting new standards for performance and reliability that will benefit embedded developers, OEMs, and consumers across all industries.’ Bernard Girod, Harman’s CEO, adds that, ‘With its deep experience in the automotive, networking, medical, and general embedded markets, QNX brings a rich portfolio of technology and expertise to the Harman family, creating new synergies and market opportunities. We’re excited to contribute to QNX’s ongoing growth and success, at a time when the need and demand for its operating system technology is accelerating worldwide.’
Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
[email protected]
