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Politics : Formerly About Applied Materials -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Proud_Infidel who wrote (53966)	10/8/2001 7:18:47 PM
From: Proud_Infidel	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 70976

Process-technology standards could 'stifle' chip industry, warns Intel CEO Barrett says some cooperative efforts could undermine innovation and competition By Mark LaPedus Semiconductor Business News (10/08/01 18:35 p.m. EST) SAN JOSE -- Craig Barrett, president and CEO of Intel Corp., here today warned that the possible move towards standards in process technologies and chip manufacturing could "stifle" growth and innovation of the semiconductor industry. Speaking at the opening day of the International Symposium on Semiconductor Manufacturing (ISSM), Barrett insisted that IC manufacturers and semiconductor equipment suppliers should avoid trying to set process-technology or manufacturing standards. Instead, Barrett insisted that IC and chip-equipment makers should continue to focus on "competition and innovation" in order to drive the future growth of the semiconductor industry. Barrett did not provide any examples of companies that are trying to forge industry-wide standards, but some analysts believe that the Intel executive was referring to various chip consortia in Japan. Some observers also believe Barrett may have also taken a swipe at silicon foundries, which are hoping to drive process-technology standards as well. Recently, an executive with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. said the foundry giant was working with other companies to set new process standards for the 0.10-micron node (see Sept. 21 story). "The concept of joint development is here to stay in the semiconductor industry," said Barrett, during the ISSM keynote address. But there is a mistaken mindset "that the industry should coalesce around industry standards," Barrett said. "This concept is the worst thing that could happen in our industry," warned the Intel CEO. "You will stifle competition." By forging process-technology and chip-manufacturing standards, the IC industry will also sink to its "lowest common denominator," he said. "I'm suggesting that innovation should continue," Barrett said. "The semiconductor industry has thrived because of innovation. Competition and innovation gives you the best technology in the market," he added.