Internet Machines

About Internet Machines

Internet Machines Corporation was a fabless semiconductor company that developed and offered highly integrated communications integrated circuits (ICs). The firm was established by co-founders Chris Hoogenboom and Frank P. Knuettel, II. Before creating Internet Machines, Hoogenboom was involved in engineering development for Xylan Corporation, contributing to its substantial revenue growth, and holds several U.S. patents in data networking and digital video compression. Knuettel brought financial and operational expertise from his roles as CFO at Viking Systems, Inc. and Fightertown Entertainment.

The company's business focused on providing protocol-independent communications ICs to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This positions them within the communications infrastructure segment, supplying critical components for both wireless and wired networking equipment. A key aspect of their product offering was the licensing of their PCI Express technology, which was designed for standards-based serial switching. This technology facilitates high-speed data transfer and communication within complex electronic systems, such as blade servers.

In a significant strategic move in 2004, Integrated Device Technology (IDT) acquired Internet Machines Corporation. This acquisition was pivotal for IDT, enabling them to accelerate their entry into the serial switching market by incorporating Internet Machines' established PCI Express technology. Following the acquisition, IDT transformed the operations into a new serial switching division, indicating the value placed on the specialized technology and expertise brought by Internet Machines.