Broadcom, ARM ink chip-licensing deal

ARM Holdings has struck a licensing deal with communications chipmaker Broadcom, which will use two of ARM's chip designs for its own technology. ARM said in a statement that the agreement builds its presence in the communication sector, where Broadcom plays a significant role. Even though Broadcom will get some ARM technology through its acquisition of Mobilink, this is the first licensing deal between the two companies. Broadcom would not disclose what exactly the chips would be used for, but said they incorporate ARM's Jazelle technology, which speeds Java programs in gadgets such as cell phones and handheld computers. Java is software developed by Sun Microsystems that theoretically allows programs to run on a variety of computers without being rewritten for each one. Several companies are developing chips to provide a much-needed speed boost to Java in these devices. --Sam Ames, Special to ZDNet News