Semi-OT: TI plans to use software to play hardball in DSP
By Darrell Dunn, Electronic Buyers' News
Aug 7, 2000
URL: ebnews.com
HOUSTON -- Digital signal processing leader Texas Instruments Inc. believes it has put together a collection of software and support infrastructure that could help it dominate DSP markets for the foreseeable future.
At the company's DSPS (DSP solutions) Fest 2000 here last week, TI disclosed details of its eXpressDSP solution and a new Web-based program for third parties and customers--both of which TI executives believe will establish baseline standards that will ensure success in emerging DSP applications.
DSP is becoming the most important semiconductor technology of this decade, Tom Engibous, TI's chairman, president, and chief executive, told more than 900 third-party developers, customers, and university representatives at the DSPS Fest 2000.Since taking TI's helm in 1996, Engibous has led an overhaul of the company with the goal of focusing on DSP and analog technology, while jettisoning sacred corporate cows and acquiring more than a dozen companies.
"Every aspect of the Internet age is touched by a DSP ... and themost interesting applications that'll use a DSP have yet to be invented," Engibous said. "The Internet age is real and marks a fundamental shift, and for everyone in the room there are huge opportunities. ... We want to accelerate, accelerate and make the DSP market larger than anyone ever envisioned."
"This is the kind of thing that in the past made Wintel and IBM/DEC so successful," said Bob Frankel, chief software strategist of TI's DSP Software Infrastructure Group, referring to the company's new initiatives. "We don't want to maintain leadership, we will accelerate leadership."
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Pretty long article. Posting FYI. ADI should also see expanding use of its DSP platforms. TI has it right in that developers want more complete development solutions - not just a "here is our chip, use it". They want software/firmware support and user friendly development environments.
Jim |
