January 27, 2006 – In a move to bolster its lineup of factory process-control options, IBM Corp. has acquired the Argus line of lithography advanced process control software and related IP from Inficon. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The software offers the ability to control processes in real-time run-to-run using measurement results from upstream and downstream processes, ultimately improving process yield, reducing lithography rework, and streamlining production rampup.

“We see the ARGUS product as providing a critical solution to the semiconductor industry in both lithography development and early prototype manufacturing and it will be a true asset to our clients,” stated Joseph Nemeth, VP of semiconductor industry for IBM’s engineering and technology services (ETS).

The Argus acquisition falls under a broader strategy of rethinking the machinations of R&D processes and collaboration. As part of that strategy, IBM last week has merged its ETS group and its OEM microelectronics, technology development & manufacturing, IP, and OEM sales divisions under one organizational roof: Technology Collaboration Solutions, working as partners to help clients design, create, and manufacture new products faster and more efficiently.