Semiconductor Alliance
Samsung Electronics, the number one company in the world memory semiconductor industry, will expand its business in the rapidly growing server market by developing new memory solutions such as “in memory” based on SAP’s knowhow of offering corporate solutions based on Samsung’s DRAMs. In particular, analysis says that Samsung’s move aims to hold in check 3D Cross Point, a new memory semiconductor to be launched by Intel, Samsung’s archrival late this year.
It is said that Lee Jae-yong, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics recently met Masayoshi Son, chairman of Softbank in order to boost the competitiveness of Samsung’s semiconductors.
Softbank took over ARM, a UK semiconductor company in July. ARM enjoys an established reputation for the design of low power consuming semiconductor circuits. Smartphone experts say that 90% of smartphones are loaded with ARM chips. Samsung and Qualcomm are ARM’s customers, too.
It is not an exaggeration to say that a fourth industrial revolution that will bloom based on AI and the IoT will begin from ARM’s core designs. Industry watchers say that if Samsung Electronics’ non-memory business division collaborates with Softbank, the division’s competitiveness will further step up.
Global players are reinforcing collaboration. Japan’s Toyota banded together with Western Digital of the US. “Various methods to increase competitiveness will be used in a “technological chicken game played in a manner different from those of the past,” said a representative of the semiconductor industry.