Intel moves beyond 'just the chip' with McAfee buy

Computerworld - After trying to push its way into the increasingly lucrative consumer electronics market for the past few years, Intel hopes that adding a security offering is just what the market needs.

The world's biggest chip maker announced today that it's set to purchase security software maker McAfee for $7.68 billion. Intel said both boards of directors have approved the deal, and McAfee is expected to become a wholly owned subsidiary within Intel's Software and Services Group.

That means the chip maker is becoming a security company as well. And with this move, Intel said it's looking to enhance its mobile strategy.

That's a smart move, said several industry analysts.

"This definitely could help Intel," said Jim McGregor, an analyst at In-Stat. "The PC industry already has had a real focus on security. Smartphones don't have that same focus. And think about it: My smartphone probably has as many bookmarks and contacts as my computer does. Think about the threats to that, especially if I'm doing banking or whatever through my mobile phone."

Bill Kircos, an Intel spokesman, told Computerworld today that the company initially will sell chips and security software separately. However, in the coming months and years, there will be a gradual evolution, and Intel will begin to adjust its chips so they work better with McAfee security software. Eventually, Intel will build more security features directly onto the processor.

Kircos added that researchers at Intel and McAfee have been working together on a silicon-based project for the past several months. He declined to elaborate.

"Intel is obviously hoping this will help them finally break into the device market," McGregor said. "They've been trying to plow their way into that market for three years, but it's been tough. They just haven't had the right offering. This move is to enhance that offering."

Shane Rau, an analyst at market research firm IDC, said Intel's acquisition of McAfee goes beyond selling more chips.

Of course, Intel wants device makers to buy more of its chips, but the company has a bigger plan in the works. According to Rau, Intel wants to provide more of the "stack" for mobile devices -- the processor, security software and the operating system.

"Intel is looking to provide more of the complete package for devices," Rau said. "Remember that Intel bought Wind River, which is associated with an embedded operating system and design tools for mobile devices. Now think of McAfee as a potential application and service provider for embedded systems."

Like Apple, which went from selling the hardware to the software and even the silicon in its Macintosh computers, Intel wants to provide a more complete offering.