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Software industry

Tech Giants Unite: $100 Million Venture for Next-Generation Chip Manufacturing

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

American high-tech companies, including AT&T, IBM, and Motorola, are joining forces to invest around $100 million in a venture to dominate the next generation of computer chip manufacturing technology. This alliance involves the provision of cash and technology to develop an advanced process for semiconductor production using X-rays instead of ultraviolet light. The current market leader, Intel Corp, is also working on two potential technologies using electron or ion beams to make chips. Meanwhile, Apple's third fiscal quarter revenue has seen a 15% increase, with over 200,000 new Power Mac units and upgrades shipped during the quarter. Revenue reached $2.15 billion, with Apple Australia's managing director, Steve Vamos, reporting the best revenue ever in the subsidiary's 12-year history.

Key Takeaways:

  • The alliance between AT&T, IBM, and Motorola will invest around $100 million in a new chip manufacturing technology using X-rays.
  • The new technology is expected to create chips significantly more powerful than those available today.
  • Intel Corp is working on two alternative technologies using electron or ion beams to make chips.
  • Apple's third fiscal quarter revenue has seen a 15% increase, reaching $2.15 billion.
  • Over 200,000 new Power Mac units and upgrades were shipped during the quarter.
  • Apple Australia's managing director, Steve Vamos, reports the best revenue ever in the subsidiary's 12-year history.
  • Digital Equipment Corp recorded a $1.7 billion loss in the fourth quarter due to a $1.2 billion restructuring charge.
  • Compaq Computer has taken the lead in Australian PC shipments for the first time in six years, according to IDC Australia.
  • Microsoft has announced the final stage of beta testing for version 2.1 of its Systems Network Architecture (SNA) Server, which gives users access to IBM mainframe and AS/400-based information.

Statistics:

  • $US100 million: The investment for the new chip manufacturing technology alliance.
  • $2.15 billion: Apple's revenue for the third fiscal quarter, a 15% increase.
  • $1.7 billion: Digital Equipment Corp's loss in the fourth quarter.
  • $1.2 billion: The restructuring charge that contributed to Digital Equipment Corp's loss.
  • 15%: The increase in revenue for Apple's third fiscal quarter.
  • $3.9 billion: Digital Equipment Corp's revenues for the fourth quarter.
  • $659 million: Digital Australia's revenue for the Australia and New Zealand operations, up 7.3% from fiscal 1993.
  • $614 million: Digital Australia's revenue for fiscal 1993.

Sources:

  • `The Wall Street Journal`
  • IDC Australia
  • Microsoft
  • Digital Equipment Corp
  • Apple Computer
  • Compaq Computer
  • Lotus Development
  • WordPerfect

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