IBM has licensed a broad range of ARM Cortex processors from ARM Holdings, in order to offer the new microprocessors to its custom-chip clients; companies that build network routers, switches and the cellular base stations. "IBM is a top provider of custom-built, system-on-a-chip technology to communications companies -- the silicon technology that has powered much of the mobile computing revolution," said Steve Ray, VP, Microelectronics, IBM. "With the addition of the ARM's advanced 32-bit microprocessors and peripherals to our Power-based offerings, our clients will now have the broadest array of leading silicon technology and design services available - giving them the ability to create the next generation of communications hardware."

The ARM Cortex-A15, Cortex-A12, Cortex-A7 and Cortex-M4 processors, as well as the ARM Mali-450 Graphic Processing Unit (GPU), are included in the new license agreement.