Just weeks after Hewlett-Packard announced plans to acquire Palm in order to get webOS operating system (OS) and other intellectual property, the company said it would also take over HyperSpace OS-related technologies from Phoenix Technologies. Even though HP is known for its software efforts, the two recent acquisitions show that HP is clearly gaining consumer-oriented software solutions.

"We are very pleased that HP has agreed to acquire these assets relating to Phoenix's HyperSpace, given HP's rich history of innovation and product differentiation," said Tom Lacey, president and chief executive officer of Phoenix.

HP has agreed to purchase the assets related to Phoenix's HyperSpace, HyperCore and Phoenix Flip instant-on and client virtualization products. The consideration for the transaction is $12 million in cash and the closing is expected to occur in June 2010.

HyperSpace is a miniature instant-on operating system that allows users to do simplistic tasks without loading Windows operating system. What is noteworthy is that Palm’s webOS is also an instant-on environment, hence, in case of certain products both systems can even compete against each other.

In January 2010, Phoenix announced that it would restore its strategic focus on its core systems software (CSS) business where it remains a global industry leader. To better align its resources with this strategy, the company plans to further reduce expenses associated with non-core products and/or sell those assets to others.

Tags: HP, Phoenix, HyperSpace, Palm, Business