A chip maker with hungry eyes for your toaster; SGS-Thomson carves niche outside the computer world

Article Abstract:

SGS-Thomson Microelectronics (SGS), headed by president and CEO, Pasquale Pistorio, is the top producer of analog chips within the semiconductor industry. SGS is the result of the 1987 merger of France's Thomson Semiconducteurs, and Italy's SGS Microelettronica of which Pistorio was CEO. Pistorio initiated the merger after realizing the compatibility of the two product lines. Pistorio is known for applying his stringent American business style, obtained while managing Motorola Semiconductor's international operations in Phoenix, AZ, to all ventures. SGS invests approximately $1 billion annually in new products and factories. SGS has been able to maintain a strong market share despite volatile changes within the semiconductor market by maintaining a balance between low-cost commodity chips and more expensive customized chips. SGS global market shares are currently valued at approximately 2% each, but SGS strives to increase that market share to rival the 5.5% average value of the top 10 companies.

Marketing, Integrated circuit design, Circuit design, Analog integrated circuits, Company Business Management, Company Employee, SGS-Thomson Microelectronics

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Unlike Microsoft, Intel opts to speak softly on antitrust issues

Article Abstract:

Intel's pursuit of a lower profile has helped the chip marker ward off antitrust challenges to its market power. The company for years has taken a more careful approach than Microsoft, a more conspicuous target for tougher treatment and criticism. Microsoft's problems include its goals to push beyond its computing domain and the celebrity of Chmn William H. Gates, according to antitrust experts and industry executives. Senior Intel executives fear 'potential political spillover' from the current Microsoft case, in which Microsoft agreed to give PC makers the choice of erasing its Internet Explorer browser's icon from its Windows OS. Intel, which holds 85% of the microprocessor chip market, and Microsoft participate in the 'Wintel duopoly.' The FTC began a new inquiry into Intel in Sep 1997, after concluding a two-year investigation without any charges.

Prepackaged software, Computer Software, Software Publishers, Planning, Computer software industry, Software industry, Company legal issue, Cases, Microsoft Corp., Intel Corp., INTC, Antitrust law, MSFT, Company business planning, Antitrust Issue

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Motorola rolls itself over; after a bad year, almost everything is coming up rosy, and wireless

Article Abstract:

After suffering a huge loss last year, Motorola Inc. boasts earnings of $273 million on the second-quarter, up $6 million from a year ago. The company fortunes are a result of a new strategy, shifting from hardware to software technology. Motorola has invested billions toward this goal of putting software capabilities into all the devices they build, as well as automobiles. This emphasis on software allows the company to be more flexible and less capital intensive. The largest challenge, of course, comes from the competition; Ericsson, Nortel, and Lucent Technologies.

United States, Product development, Radio & TV communications equipment, Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing, Cellular Mobile Tel Equip, Product introduction, Wireless telephones, Cellular telephone equipment industry, Motorola Inc., MOT, Software product development, Galvin, Christopher B., Networking software product introduction

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