IBM, Toshiba may sell 'flash' memory chips

Article Abstract:

IBM and Toshiba Corp are working out a joint venture to develop and produce flash memory integrated circuits for use in portable computers and other portable devices. Flash memory devices are capable of being erased and reprogrammed almost instantaneously with electrical charges, making them a good choice for use in portable products. The partnership between Toshiba and IBM is not confirmed, but IBM intends its first flash memory products to be used in portable computers requiring ruggedness, such as in military and high stress usage. IBM currently is in a venture with Toshiba for the production of flat-panel computer displays and has invited Toshiba to work with it on a multimedia standard for computers. The flash memory market is anticipated to be worth $10 billion by 2000. Toshiba cut its flash memory prices early in 1992, making them competitively priced with other kinds of memory devices.

Electronic computers, Prepackaged software, Computer industry, Toshiba Corp., International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Computer memory, Flash memory, Memory (Computers), Product Development, Market Entry, Joint Ventures

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Texas Instruments confirms discussing HDTV joint venture with Japan firms

Article Abstract:

Texas Instruments (TI) is working on a joint venture agreement with three Japanese companies to develop semiconductors for high-definition television (HDTV). Sony Corp, Fujitsu Ltd and Hitachi Ltd are close to an agreement which would give TI the advantage of being in on the early stages of product development with the Japanese firms. Foreign chip makers are usually at a disadvantage when trying to sell to the Japanese because the foreigners often do not know about a product until after the specifications have been set by the manufacturer and its long-time chip suppliers. High-definition television is still in its infancy and TI does not expect to see an increase in sales for several years. The Japanese will benefit from the agreement by gaining access to what is considered superior American technology in digital processing. TI will develop decoder boxes to unscramble television pictures.

Planning, Japan, Consumer electronics, Sony Corp., Hitachi Ltd., International competition (Economics), High-definition television, High definition television, Fujitsu Ltd., Technology transfer, Strategic Planning, Licensing, Japanese Competition, Decoders, Decoders (Computers)

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Texas Instruments, Kobe Steel form venture

Article Abstract:

Texas Instruments Inc forms a joint venture with Kobe Steel Ltd to manufacture semiconductors. The agreement specifies that Kobe will pay more than half of $350 million for a new plant in the western Kansai region of Japan, which will open in 1992. In return for its capital, Kobe will get experience in making semiconductors and most of the profits from sales. This is the fifth such US-Japan semiconductor joint venture since Jan 1990. Benefits for American companies vary, including: licenses for Japanese technology, involvement in Japanese production of memory chips, and exposure to Japanese manufacturing techniques. But the driving forces generally are similar: American policy makers are disturbed at the decline of the US semiconductor industry, but they offer no remedies. So US companies look for help overseas, often from the very Japanese companies that are seen as a threat.

Kobe Steel Ltd., DRAM (Dynamic random access memory), DRAM, Joint Venture, Semiconductor Industry

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