IBM extends ARM chip collaboration

IBM and ARM have signed an agreement to extend chip collaboration, with a fresh deal to work on advanced 14nm semiconductor technology.

ARM has used IBM technology for around two years now, having previously relied on Big Blue's assistance in the production of the Cortex range of chips.

The partners believed the new deal would help bring advanced mobile electronics to market quicker, with a view to focusing on improved battery life, smoother internet access and secure transactions.

The agreement will see design platforms created, aligning manufacturing processes, microprocessors and physical IP design teams.

"ARM's Cortex processors have become the leadership platform for the majority of smart phones and many other emerging mobile devices," said Michael Cadigan, general manager of IBM Microelectronics.

"We plan to continue working closely with ARM and our foundry customers to speed the momentum of ARM technology by delivering highly advanced, low-power semiconductor technology for a variety of new communications and computing devices."

It will be another boost for ARM, which had some good news earlier in the month as Microsoft revealed plans to use the British company's technology more extensively.

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Microsoft revealed plans to design a Windows OS compatible with ARM chips.