AMD, FUJITSU AND SAIFUN SEMICONDUCTORS, LTD. ANNOUNCE
COLLABORATION
- Companies announce patent cross-license and settle all
pending litigation -
- Three companies to collaborate on commercializing
industry-leading Flash technology -
SUNNYVALE, CA-JULY 31, 2002-AMD, Fujitsu and Saifun
Semiconductors, Ltd. today announced a comprehensive collaboration under which
the three companies have agreed to cross-license patents and technology, settle
all pending litigation and collaborate in the development of future generations
of non-volatile memory (NVM) technology. As part of the collaboration, AMD and
Fujitsu will also take an equity stake in Saifun.
"By combining our long-standing expertise in Flash
memory with Saifun's capabilities and intellectual property we will focus on
developing the industry's most cost-effective storage solutions," said Dr.
Bertrand Cambou, Group Vice President of AMD's Memory Group. "AMD and Fujitsu
will now be able to not only license Saifun's NROM technology but also leverage
its world class engineering resources."
Dr. Masao Taguchi, General Manager of Fujitsu's System
Memory Division added that "The combination of Fujitsu and AMD's leading edge
non-volatile memory technology and Saifun's innovative NROM technologies will
cement the companies' market leadership position in non-volatile memory."
"Saifun is excited to collaborate with AMD and Fujitsu,
two innovative companies that have revolutionized the Flash memory business.
Together, we will be able to leverage our respective strengths to create
ultra-high density Flash with the world's leading cost-structure based on
Saifun's NROM technology. The recognition of our technology and intellectual
property by these industry leaders validates Saifun as a leader in non-volatile
memory technology "stated Dr. Boaz Eitan, President and CEO of Saifun
Semiconductors, Ltd.
About AMD
AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the
personal and networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing
facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan and Asia. AMD, a Fortune 500 and
Standard & Poor's 500 company, produces microprocessors, flash memory devices,
and support circuitry for communications and networking applications. Founded in
1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD had revenues of $3.9 billion in
2001. (NYSE: AMD).
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is a leading provider of customer-focused IT and
communications solutions for the global marketplace. Pace-setting technologies,
high-reliability/performance computing and telecommunications platforms, and a
worldwide corps of systems and services experts make Fujitsu uniquely positioned
to unleash the infinite possibilities of the broadband Internet to help its
customers succeed. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported
consolidated revenues of 5 trillion yen (about US$38 billion) for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2002. For more information, please see:
www.fujitsu.com
About Saifun
Saifun Semiconductors Ltd. has developed a leading-edge
NVM technology named Saifun NROM Technology. The technology places two physical
bits per memory cell, enabling production of the most cost-effective, high
performance NVM products in the market. The Saifun NROM utilizes one concept,
suitable for all NVM applications (Code Flash, Data Storage Flash, EEPROM and
Embedded NVM). Saifun was founded in 1998 by Dr. Boaz Eitan. For more
information, please see:
www.saifun.com
