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Telecommunications equipment industry

Austin's Tech Scene Sees Major Developments

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Austin, Texas, is witnessing a surge in technological advancements, as evidenced by recent major acquisitions and investments in the city. ViaVideo, a local video conferencing firm, was acquired by Polycom Inc. in a stock exchange valued at $54 million. This acquisition solidifies Polycom's presence in the market, while ViaVideo will continue to operate under the Polycom name. Compaq Computer, the world's largest manufacturer of personal computers, has started selling computers using AMD's K6 processors, marking a significant milestone for AMD's K6 processor. Additionally, Samsung Austin Semiconductor's $1.3 billion memory chip manufacturing plant has successfully completed a 500-hour qualification test, bringing the plant closer to producing 64-bit RAM chips.

Key Takeaways:

  • Polycom Inc. has acquired ViaVideo, a local video conferencing firm, in a stock exchange valued at $54 million.
  • ViaVideo will remain in Austin and operate under the Polycom name.
  • Compaq Computer has begun selling computers using AMD's K6 processors, a significant validation of the K6 processor.
  • AMD's K6 processor is a challenge to Intel Corp.'s best-selling Pentiums.
  • Samsung Austin Semiconductor's plant has completed a 500-hour qualification test, bringing it closer to producing 64-bit RAM chips.
  • The plant's successful test is a crucial step towards returning on the company's $1.3 billion investment.
  • Pace Entertainment Corp. of Houston is being purchased by SFX Broadcasting of New York for $155 million in cash, stock, and assumed debt.
  • The acquisition may lead to an increase in major entertainment events in Austin.
  • Dell Computer has reduced prices on personal computers by up to 15 percent, citing the weak Asian economy and reduced component costs.
  • The price reduction applies to Dell's OptiPlex PCs with Intel Pentium and Pentium II processors.
  • Pat Wood, chairman of the Texas Public Utility Commission, stated that the commission may delay Southwestern Bell Telephone Co.'s application to sell long-distance service due to ongoing court cases.

Statistics:

  • $54 million: The value of the stock exchange for ViaVideo's acquisition by Polycom Inc.
  • 9.8 million: The number of shares of common stock to be paid by Polycom for ViaVideo.
  • 15%: The percentage reduction in prices on Dell personal computers.
  • $1.3 billion: The investment in Samsung Austin Semiconductor's memory chip manufacturing plant.
  • 500 hours: The duration of the qualification test completed by Samsung Austin Semiconductor's plant.
  • $155 million: The value of SFX Broadcasting's purchase of Pace Entertainment Corp.

Sources:

  • "Polycom Completes Acquisition of ViaVideo" (Polycom press release)
  • "Compaq Starts Selling AMD's K6 Chips" (Compaq press release)
  • "Samsung's Austin Plant Completes Qualification Test" (Samsung press release)
  • "Dell Cuts Prices by Up to 15% Citing Asian Economy" (Dell press release)
  • "Pace Entertainment Sold to SFX Broadcasting" (Pace Entertainment press release)
  • "Texas Public Utility Commission May Delay Southwestern Bell's Application" (Public Utility Commission of Texas statement)

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