Chip industry growth of 25% in 2000 predicted, 40% in 2001 not unreasonable
Feb 28, 2000 --- Analysts today predicted 25 percent growth in the worldwide semiconductor industry in 2000 at the European International Strategy Symposium (ISS), Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International, the industry trade association and event sponsor, reported Monday evening.
Experts meeting at the two-day summit in Marseilles, France, said that a growth rate eclipsing 40 percent in 2001 was not overly optimistic.
"There is life outside of the PC," said Jean-Philippe Dauvin, group vice president and chief economist for STMicroelectronics.
Dauvin's comments reinforced the industry-wide perception that PCs are no longer driving growth in the IC market. New devices associated with the convergence of communications, data and computing such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones with Internet access are making their market ascendancy.
"We are about to enter the golden age of the semiconductor industry" said Stan Myers, president of Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI). The trade association sponsors ISS.
Cycles will not stop continue, observers noted, though they may smooth out.
There was a consensus among ISS speakers that cooperation at all levels from research to production - is essential for future success of the industry, SEMI reported. IC manufacturers must begin to think in terms of complete processes solutions, not only single-equipment functionality and price performance, speakers said. |
