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Computer industry

Austin Tech Scene Heats Up with New IPO, Headquarters Shifting, and Processor Developments

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Austin, the Silicon Hills, is continuing to emerge as a major player in the tech industry, with multiple companies making significant strides. Motive Inc., a software provider, has filed for an IPO, while Xplore Technologies Corp., a Canadian maker of rugged tablet computers, is shifting its headquarters to Austin. Meanwhile, Sony Corp. and IBM Corp. are nearing completion of their next-generation Cell processor, a powerful parallel processing engine designed for graphics processing. Additionally, Metrowerks Inc., a software development tools provider, has been named a leader in its niche by SD Times.

Key Takeaways:

  • Motive Inc. is set to offer shares for between $11 and $13 in its IPO, raising a maximum of $74.8 million.
  • Xplore Technologies Corp. is relocating its headquarters from Toronto to Austin, employing 50 people locally and adding more jobs in various departments.
  • The company's rugged tablet computers, including the Renegade model, have found customers among Home Depot, police departments, the U.S. Defense Department, and major utility companies.
  • Sony Corp. and IBM Corp. are nearing completion of the Cell processor, a powerful tool for advanced game consoles.
  • Metrowerks Inc. has been recognized as a leader in software development tools for wireless, transportation, consumer electronics, and network communications by SD Times.

Statistics:

  • Motive Inc. aims to raise a maximum of $74.8 million in its IPO.
  • Xplore Technologies Corp. employs 50 people in Austin and is adding more jobs in various departments.
  • The company reported a loss of $7.5 million on sales of $18.2 million for the nine months ending December 31.
  • Metrowerks Inc. employs about 250 people in Austin, a subsidiary of Freescale Semiconductor Inc.
  • The five-year, $400 million development alliance between Sony, IBM, and Toshiba Corp. is set to complete the next-generation Cell processor.

Sources:

  • "Austin-based Motive Inc. sets share price for IPO", Austin American-Statesman
  • "Xplore preparing to shift headquarters to Austin", Austin American-Statesman
  • "Sony, IBM nearly done with latest processor", Austin American-Statesman
  • "Metrowerks is named a leader in its niche", SD Times

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