A small lobby's large voice

Article Abstract:

The success of the Semiconductor Industry Association's (SIA) lobbying efforts has made it a model for other industry lobbying groups. Even though the group represents a relatively small industry, it has helped convince the government to negotiate open market agreements with Japan and allow companies to conduct joint research without fear of antitrust suits. SIA's success can be traced to its focus on a few issues, its adeptness at developing concrete proposals, and its representation of a small group of American companies. SIA biggest issue remains the threat of Japanese competition on the semiconductor industry. Other areas wherein SIA will likely push for government action include trade sanctions for Japanese companies not buying American chips and an agreement with Japan to cease dumping chips by 1991. Critics have argued SIA is exaggerating the semiconductor industry's decline and that it does not adequately represent high technology businesses or even all the semiconductor industry.

Influence, Political aspects, International trade, Semiconductor Industry Association, International competition (Economics), Lobbying, Consortia, Japanese Competition, Consortium

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I.B.M. and Toshiba plan joint development of flash memory chips; device, which can hold data with power off, could replace disks

Article Abstract:

IBM and Toshiba Corp announce a cooperative agreement to manufacture and market flash memory chips. IBM indicates that it will use the chips in its own products as well as market them to other computer manufacturers. Flash memory chips are a relatively new technology that is capable of retaining information when a computer is shut off. In contrast, the dynamic random access memory technique used by most microcomputers on the market requires a magnetic disk for permanent storage because it retains information only when the machine is on. Flash memory could thereby mean that magnetic disks could be eliminated, resulting in faster, cheaper and more energy-efficient microcomputers. The agreement signals the intent of both companies to vie for market share in a market expected to grow to a value of $1.5 billion by 1995. Currently, Intel Corp holds an 80 percent share of the market for flash memory chips.

Electronic computers, Prepackaged software, Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Planning, Computer industry, Product development, Toshiba Corp., Product information, Intel Corp., INTC, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Integrated circuit fabrication, Flash memory, Growth (Physiology), Market share, Growth, Competition, Cooperative Agreements

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Small company makes superconducting chip

Article Abstract:

Conductus Inc, Sunnyvale, CA, demonstrates the first integrated circuit that uses high-temperature superconducting technology. The company has made a magnetic detection device - a kind of 'sensor' - that is the most complex device that has so far been fabricated with such superconducting materials. According to a spokesman for Conductus, the main significance of the accomplishment is in potential applications in making devices such as high-speed computer chips. Conductus is exploring commercial possibilities for its sensor in areas that range from diagnosis of heart disease and detection of submarines to geological prospecting.

Research, Industrial research, Superconductivity, High temperature superconductors, Superconducting devices, Conductus Inc., Research and Development, Integrated Circuits, Sensor, Scientific Research, Superconductive Devices

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