Computer-chip makers expected to have an upswing during 1997

Article Abstract:

Market researchers Dataquest Inc and VLSI Research Inc are predicting that computer-chip manufacturers will experience growth in 1997. Both companies also forecast a decline for the chip equipment industry. They also, however, expect that the increased market share of the chip industry will excel the equipment suppliers growth by 1998. VLSI predicts that the chip market will reverse its $137.7 billion decline of 1996 with a growth rate of 13.4%. VLSI expects the chip equipment industry to conversely offset its 15.5% growth in 1996 to 13.8% in 1997. Dataquest also forecasts the chip-equipment market to decrease in 1997 by 17.9%. VLSI is predicting a 20% overall annual growth rate for the chip industry between 1996 and 2001. VLSI expects the equipment industry to grow 16.5% during the same period. The official forecasts from Dataquest and VLSI will be offered at a semiconductor-equipment manufacturer's conference during the week of Jan 10, 1997 in Monterey, CA.

Preview of coming year, Technological forecasting, Market trend/market analysis

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Chip makers up in arms over book-to-bill ratio

Article Abstract:

The Semiconductor Industry Association's (SIA) bill-to-book ratio draws criticism from industry analysts and semiconductor company officials who claim that it is inaccurate and that it adversely affects technology stocks. Analysts say that investors outside the industry do not understand the ratio, but they still use it as the basis for investment decisions. The ratio does not account for sales outside the US, an important distinction, because the US makes up only some 30% of the worldwide market for chips. In 1996, the ratio began to fall, and semiconductor and other high-tech stocks were severely hurt, despite strong chip sales overseas. The SIA agrees that its ratio must be revamped, but the association finds it difficult to collect foreign data in a timely manner. The ratio for Jul 1996 is forecast to reach 0.95, indicating that for every $1 worth of chips shipped, new orders worth 95 cents were placed.

Statistics, Semiconductor Industry Association, Stock markets, Stock Market, Market Trend/Market Analysis

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Intel and Microsoft remain allies despite squabbles; PC partners routinely disagree on products, strategy and especially Java

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corp and Intel Corp, which comprise the 'Wintel alliance,' are closely involved in may ways, but they also sometimes disagree. The alliance is based on PCs that use Microsoft's software and Intel's microchips, and the companies' interests often closely coincide. However, their interests and activities sometimes diverge, as is illustrated by Intel's work on Java, a Sun Microsystems technology regarded by Microsoft as a threat. Intel Chmn Andrew Grove says the companies' relationship is 'committed and productive, but contentious.' He says Microsoft has always used other microprocessors and Intel has always worked with other software publishers. The Justice Department has cited Microsoft's opposition to Java as an example of anticompetitive behavior.

Prepackaged software, Computer Software, Software Publishers, Planning, Computer software industry, Software industry, Software, Product development, Product information, Microsoft Corp., Intel Corp., INTC, MSFT, Company technology development, Java (Programming language), Company product planning, Java

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