From correspondents in Karnataka, India, 04:01 PM IST
Fujitsu Microelectronics Asia Pte Ltd (FMAL) today announced the commencement of operations of Fujitsu Global Mobile Platform Inc. (“FMPI”), a joint venture established based on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) tied between Fujitsu Limited’s former LSI business divisions (currently a separate entity, Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited, “FML”) (*1) and the Institute for Information Industry (“III”) (*2) of Taiwan.
FMPI will develop reference designs, which will improve design efficiencies for WiMAX-related products (*3) for Taiwan-based ODM (*4) vendors, in addition to providing technical support.
Background
FMPI was established in Taipei, Taiwan on July 2, 2008 by Fujitsu Limited (of which its existing LSI business divisions were later split from the company on March 21, 2008 to form a separate entity, Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited, “FML”) and III, based on an MOU tied by Fujitsu Limited and III. FMPI commences business operations today.
Mobile WiMAX commercial services are anticipated to begin in Taiwan, Japan, the U.S. and from around Europe in August 2009. Services for various aspects of design and manufacturing of WiMAX-related products, including mobile WiMAX devices and mobile WiMAX ultra-small base stations, will be conducted by numerous ODM vendors centered in Taiwan.
Business Operations
Based on advanced WiMAX system-on-chip (SoC) solutions from FML and software technologies from III, FMPI will provide Taiwan-based ODM vendors with reference designs for WiMAX-related products in addition to technical support.
Initial WiMAX commercial services are foreseen to be PC-based, utilizing computer accessories such as PC cards or USB dongles which will feature functions for WiMAX.
In its early development, five ODM vendors in Taiwan have already committed to use FML’s WiMAX solutions – FMPI will offer these ODM vendors with technical support for products that the vendors plan to commercialize, and will also develop related software. Hereon, FMPI plans to provide technical support for a greater number of vendors as well.
Aiming for the growth of the WiMAX-related industry, FMPI will continue to develop reference designs that contribute to efficient product development of WiMAX-related products, while providing technical expertise.
Figure 1: Positioning of Fujitsu Global Mobile Platform Inc.
Overview of Fujitsu Global Mobile Platform Inc.
Company Name: Fujitsu Global Mobile Platform Inc.
Date of Establishment: July 2, 2008
Commencement of Operations: August 4, 2008
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Capital: 2 million USD
Shareholders/Ratio: Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited: 51%
Institute for Information Industry and other Taiwan entities: 49%
Chairman/President: Hirohiko Kondo
Glossary and Notes
1. Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited (FML):
Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited (FML) is a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI) manufacturer that provides highly reliable, optimal solutions to meet the varying needs of its customers, through LSI offerings including ASIC/COT, ASSP and power management ICs, and flash microcontrollers. Along with building on its wide-range expertise focusing on imaging, wireless, and security LSI applications, FML also pursues initiatives for power efficiency and undertakes environmentally-conscious countermeasures. Headquartered in Tokyo, FML was established as a subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited on March 21, 2008. Through its global sales and development network with sites in Japan and other regions in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., FML offers LSI solutions to the global marketplace. For more information: http://jp.fujitsu.com/group/fml/en/
2. Institute for Information Industry (III):
The Institute for Information Industry (III) was established in 1979 as a non-governmental organization, jointly sponsored by the Taiwan government and prominent private enterprises, for the purpose of strengthening the developments of information industry in Taiwan. For more information, please see: http://www.iii.org.tw/english/
3. Reference designs for WiMAX-related products:
Reference designs to shorten development cycles and streamline number of development processes for WiMAX-related products, such as WiMAX mobile devices and ultra-small base stations. Comprised of on-board WiMAX SoCs and various software.
4. ODM:
Original Design Manufacturer.
A company which designs and manufactures products that will be branded by another firm for sale. (Reference: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer).
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