Brand new day for webOS

LG to acquire HP’s webOS Mobile Platform; HP retains webOS cloud computing assets




Key takeaways ::

*LG will use the webOS technology to create an intuitive user experience and Internet services across a range of consumer-electronics devices, with a focus on Smart TVs
*The transaction will bring HP an ongoing stream of licensing revenue from patents related to webOS
*HP is retaining webOS cloud technology assets and talent to deliver market-leading solutions for enterprise customers
After months of reviewing a range of compelling opportunities, HP today announced that LG Corp is acquiring HP’s webOS Mobile Platform, while HP is retaining its webOS cloud computing assets. LG is one of the largest consumer electronics companies in the world, with offerings that by and large do not compete with HP’s.



Under terms of the asset and licensing agreement::


*LG is acquiring the webOS Mobile Platform, including the source code and associated documentation
*HP is licensing to LG patents for the webOS operating system and user interface
*HP is retaining ownership of all webOS cloud-computing assets, including the source code, infrastructure and contracts.

The talent behind the webOS Mobile Platform—HP’s engineering and user-experience teams—now have an opportunity to do impactful work at LG, where they will innovate to disrupt the Smart TV market and possibly other segments, as well.
Meanwhile, other employees on the webOS team, including those who work on cloud technologies, will remain at HP, where they will collaborate with teams in other HP businesses to bring to market innovative solutions for enterprise customers.                               

A careful decision :: 

Martin Risau

Today’s announcement follows more than a year of careful planning, deliberation and execution by HP. “I am very proud of the way we took time to maximize the value of webOS,” said Martin Risau, senior vice president of the business. “Our goal has been to find the best way forward for a set of very compelling assets.”



Going back to December 2011, HP first expanded the reach of the webOS Mobile Platform by open-sourcing parts of it. “This decision has helped rebuild trust in the long-term viability of the platform,” Risau noted.
Then, throughout 2012, HP took time and looked at a range of different opportunities, which included discussions and preliminary work with potential partners, including LG.
“The deal that we’ve announced today makes a lot of business sense and is a result of nine months of collaboration with LG,” Risau said. “It is a great outcome for HP, with significant upside from licensing revenue, and a great outcome for LG, which will be able to innovate across a range of consumer electronics devices, starting with Smart TVs.”
The deal will enable HP to focus more intensely on webOS solutions related to cloud computing and the needs of enterprise customers. “Cloud is one of HP’s key strategic pillars, and our employees are doing some very exciting work in this area,” said Risau. “The webOS cloud assets being retained by HP are extremely valuable for our enterprise customers, who need solutions to mobilize their workforces.”
For example, Risau said, HP Enterprise Services could use this technology to serve the automotive industry. “In addition, the webOS cloud technology creates unique differentiation for the Enterprise Group and its Moonshot offering, and we are exploring potential opportunities with the PPS Mobility group.”