Acer plans to acquire US-based iGware, a leading cloud technology company, for US$320 million plus another US$75 million for performance-based pay-outs. With the objective of mid- to long-term investment, Acer will leverage iGware's proven technology to establish its own cloud infrastructure, called Acer Cloud, to serve and benefit Acer customers, and enhance brand value.

iGware, based in Silicon Valley, California, is offering cloud-based device ecosystems, virtual consoles and personal cloud. iGware's cloud software and infrastructure tools currently enable and support more than 100 million consumer devices worldwide including Nintendo's Wii, iDS and 3DS, and will support Wii U in the future.

JT Wang, Acer chairman and CEO, said, "iGware offers expertise in cloud technology software design, with services already deployed on large scales and a long-term basis. As a mid- to long-term investment objective, the valuable core technology and capabilities will help create uniqueness for the Acer brand, and support a vast number of our users based on open platforms."

Wang continued, "The goal of Acer Cloud is to allow our users to enjoy and manage all their ICT devices, content and resources with ease, by integrating all Acer products including PCs, tablets and smart handheld devices within a safe and secure environment."

With iGware's cloud technology already in use, Acer is confident of a promising future development in Acer Cloud built. In the foreseeable future, Acer will begin hardware and software design integration, and expects to launch products that leverage Acer Cloud services during 2012, said the company.

After the merger, iGware's legal entity will become Acer Cloud Technology Company, with subsidiaries to be set up in Taiwan and China. Following Acer's global marketing strategy, Acer will continue to research, and integrate hardware and software for cloud technology innovation to meet the demand of Acer users and enhance overall customer satisfaction, Acer said.