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AMD Acquires SeaMicro For $334 Million

Amit Chowdhry — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:08:56 +0000

Advanced Micro Devices has announced that they have acquired SeaMicro for $334 million, including $281 million in cash. SeaMicro is known for having clients like Facebook and Google. SeaMicro makes energy efficient “microservers.” They use low-power chips from Intel and Samsung to perform real-time data analysis jobs by creating a “fabric” of multiple servers and data storage units.

AMD plans on allowing SeaMicro to work independently after the deal closes this month. AMD will be integrating SeaMicro’s fabric technology to their own higher-power Opteron processors. Those new products are expected at the end of the year. SeaMicro’s technology works in microservers with one-quarter of the power and one-sixth of the space used by conventional machines.

This is AMD’s largest acquisitions since Rory P. Read has been CEO of the company. He joined AMD this past August. AMD acknowledged that they paid a high price for SeaMicro, but they were able to win a bidding war against other interested parties. Using SeaMicro, AMD will offer servers that compete with HP and Dell servers.

[NYT]

AMD Poaches HP For CIO Michael Wolfe

Amit Chowdhry — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:36:46 +0000

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE:AMD) has poached an executive from Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ) to become their new CIO. Michael Wolfe worked at HP for five years with the most recent position being VP for Information Technology. Before that, Wolfe worked at Motorola for 24 years. “Mike has effectively led IT transformations constantly focusing on reducing operating costs and significantly improving business innovation,” stated AMD interim CEO Thomas Seifert. “His considerable talent and experience will help AMD to continue strengthening our IT infrastructure and streamline our business based on our own products and platforms.” [AllThingsD]

AMD COO Bob Rivet Stepping Down

Amit Chowdhry — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 07:09:47 +0000

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE:AMD) chief operating officer Bob Rivet is stepping down from the company. This is one month after CEO Dirk Meyer stepped down. Rivet joined AMD in 2000 as CFO. Rivet will be pursuing other opportunities. AMD SVP of corporate strategy Marty Seyer is also stepping down for similar reasons. Meyer resigned last month because of a disagreement with AMD’s board of directors. AMD CFO Thomas Seifert is acting CEO while the board is looking for Meyer’s replacement. [InformationWeek]

AMD CEO Dirk Meyer Resigns

Amit Chowdhry — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 02:14:55 +0000

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE:AMD) CEO Dirk Meyer has stepped down after reaching an agreement with the company board. AMD CFO Thomas Siefert will be filling in Meyer for the time being. Meyer had been working at AMD since 1995. AMD announced preliminary revenue results for the 4th quarter ahead of time too. The company revenue will be $1.65 billion, which is ahead of what analysts are expecting. [CNET]

Microsoft Announces Next Version Of Windows Supports System On A Chip (SoC)

Amit Chowdhry — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:03:24 +0000

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) made an announcement today that the next version of the Windows operating system will support the System on a Chip (SoC) architectures, which include ARM-based systems from their partners: NVIDIA Corp., Qualcomm Inc., and Texas Instruments. Intel and AMD will continue work on low-power SoC designs that support Windows on the x86 architecture. Below is the full press release:

Microsoft Announces Support of System on a Chip Architectures From Intel, AMD, and ARM for Next Version of Windows

LAS VEGAS — Jan. 5, 2011 — Microsoft Corp. today announced at 2011 International CES that the next version of Windows will support System on a Chip (SoC) architectures, including ARM-based systems from partners NVIDIA Corp., Qualcomm Inc. and Texas Instruments Inc. On the x86 architecture, Intel Corporation and AMD continue their work on low-power SoC designs that fully support Windows, including support for native x86 applications. SoC architectures will fuel significant innovation across the hardware spectrum when coupled with the depth and breadth of the Windows platform.

At today’s announcement, Microsoft demonstrated the next version of Windows running on new SoC platforms from Intel running on x86 architecture and from NVIDIA, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments on ARM architecture. The technology demonstration included Windows client support across a range of scenarios, such as hardware-accelerated graphics and media playback, hardware-accelerated Web browsing with the latest Microsoft Internet Explorer, USB device support, printing and other features customers have come to expect from their computing experience. Microsoft Office running natively on ARM also was shown as a demonstration of the full depth and breadth of Windows platform capabilities on ARM architecture.

Windows will continue its industry-leading support across the widest possible set of devices, delivering the breadth and choice that customers demand. Intel and AMD continue to evolve and improve the x86 platforms, including new low-power systems, and advance new designs such as the recently announced 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ processor family and AMD’s Fusion accelerated processing units (APUs). NVIDIA, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments are joining Microsoft to provide ARM-based designs for the first time.

“With today’s announcement, we’re showing the flexibility and resiliency of Windows through the power of software and a commitment to world-class engineering. We continue to evolve Windows to deliver the functionality customers demand across the widest variety of hardware platforms and form factors,” said Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division at Microsoft.

SoC architectures consolidate the major components of a computing device onto a single package of silicon. This consolidation enables smaller, thinner devices while reducing the amount of power required for the device, increasing battery life and making possible always-on and always-connected functionality. With support of SoC in the next version of the Windows client, Microsoft is enabling industry partners to design and deliver the widest range of hardware ever.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Silicon Partner Quotes

AMD

“We are entering a new era of computing where HD content and 3-D user interfaces are commonplace, from high-end gaming and content creation to video playback and Web browsing. Together, AMD and Microsoft enable these vivid and engaging PC experiences on x86-based devices, ranging from high-resolution, multidisplay desktops to ultrathin notebooks, netbooks and tablets, and we look forward to a new wave of innovation made possible by Windows and AMD Fusion APUs. Windows and AMD Fusion APUs bring to life outstanding Internet experiences, smooth video playback of HD and 3-D content, and acceleration of popular productivity applications.”

Manju Hegde
Corporate Vice President, Fusion Experience Program
AMD (NYSE: AMD)

ARM Holdings plc

“We are excited by today’s announcement, which marks a significant milestone for ARM and the ARM Partnership, and we look forward to working with Microsoft on the next generation of Windows. Windows combined with the scalability of the low-power ARM architecture, the market expertise of ARM silicon partners and the extensive SoC talent within the broad ARM ecosystem will enable innovative platforms to realize the future of computing, ultimately creating new market opportunities and delivering compelling products to consumers.”

Warren East
CEO
ARM

Intel Corporation

“Even conservative predictions show billions of devices coming online in the next few years. One need only look at the creation and rapid growth of the netbook category to grasp what an Intel and Microsoft combination can deliver. While still in the future, what is so exciting is how our two companies will be able to match a tailored, low-powered Windows operating system with future generations of our popular Intel® Atom™ processors to deliver unique, PC-like experiences that offer the best battery life, performance and security around.”

Douglas L. Davis
Vice President, General Manager, Netbook and Tablet Group
Intel

NVIDIA Corp.

“Windows on ARM represents a seismic shift for the computing industry. ARM is already the largest and fastest-growing CPU architecture in the world, and today’s major news of Windows will only accelerate its adoption. We look forward to working with Microsoft to create amazing new computing devices with Windows.”

Jen-Hsun Huang
President and Chief Executive Officer
NVIDIA

Qualcomm Inc.

“Today signals a significant step forward for the future of computing. We at Qualcomm are excited about continuing our relationship with Microsoft to extend the reach of Windows to more Snapdragon-powered devices, offering high-performance mobile solutions with always-on connectivity.”

Rob Chandhok
President, Qualcomm Internet Services
President, Qualcomm Innovation Center Inc.

Texas Instruments (TI)

“Texas Instruments (TI) is pleased to collaborate with Microsoft to make Windows on mobile devices a reality. TI has long believed that low power is the fundamental of fundamentals when it comes to mobility, and we look forward to taking our popular OMAP™ platform, with the ideal balance of high performance and low power, into exciting new mobile computing devices.”

Remi El-Ouazzane
Vice President and General Manager, OMAP Platform Business Unit
TI

AMD Announces New Line Of Chips At CES

Amit Chowdhry — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:15:53 +0000

At the CES conference this year Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE:AMD) announced the Fusion line of chips this week at CES. The company started working on Fusion the chips in 2006 after they acquired ATI Technologies. These new chips combine a microprocessor and graphics circuitry on the silicon. “As far back as 2005, we saw that the integration of the CPU (central processing unit) and the GPU (graphics processing unit) was inevitable,” stated AMD General Manager of the products group Rick Bergman.

AMD’s Zacate and Ontario chipsets are made for mobile devices. And eventually AMD’s Fusion chips will be able to work on computers, netbooks, tablets, and laptops. AMD also announced the AMD Radeon HD 6000M graphic chips for notebooks. The 6000M is the successor to the second-generation DX11 mobile chip. About 25 million DX11 chips have been shipped to 10 major computer companies.

[VentureBeat]

Four Execs Arrested For Channel Checking Insider Information About Apple and AMD

Amit Chowdhry — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 22:30:10 +0000

Four executives have been arrested as part of an SEC investigation over “channel checking.” Channel checking is when people investigate corporate secrets in order to determine investment decisions. This includes calling suppliers and pressing for forecast information.

The four defendants recently listed include Walter Shimoon (VP of Business Development at Flextronics), Mark Longoria (supply chain manager at AMD), Manosha Karunatilaka (exec at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd), and James Fleishman (sales manager at an “expert networking” firm). Longoria and Karunatilaka were directly hired consultants at Fleishman’s expert networking company.

These executives passed along information to two unnamed hedge funds. According to court filings, Shimoon was paid to leak non-public details about the iPhone 4 and the iPad before official Apple announcements.

[Reuters]

AMD To Contribute Engineering Expertise To MeeGO

Amit Chowdhry — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:05:38 +0000

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE:AMD) has announced that they pledge to contribute “engineering expertise” to MeeGo. MeeGO is a Linux-based open source mobile operating system project announced at Mobile World Congress in February 2010 by Intel and Nokia during a joint press conference. AMD software development VP Ben Bar-Hair said “this operating system will help drive our embedded plans and create expanded market opportunities for our forthcoming Accelerated Processing Units.” Full press release is below:

AMD Joins MeeGo Linux Open Source Project for Next-Generation Mobile, Embedded Platforms

AMD to Contribute Engineering Resources to Help Drive Linux-Based Open Source Operating System

DUBLIN, IRELAND–(Marketwire – November 15, 2010) – At the MeeGo Conference 2010, AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced it has joined The Linux Foundation’s MeeGo open source Linux project, and will provide engineering expertise intended to help establish the technical foundations for next-generation mobile platforms and embedded devices.

“MeeGo represents an exciting, open-source mobile operating system we expect to be adopted by mobile and embedded device makers over time,” said Ben Bar-Haim, corporate vice president, software development, AMD. “We are glad to provide engineering resources to joint industry efforts like MeeGo and expect that this operating system will help drive our embedded plans and create expanded market opportunities for our forthcoming Accelerated Processing Units.”

“Built from the ground up for a whole new class of mobile computing devices, MeeGo gives companies like AMD and its partners unlimited opportunities to accelerate innovation for the next generation of computing,” said Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation. “As an existing Linux Foundation member, AMD will be an important and valuable contributor to the MeeGo Project.”

The MeeGo Linux-based open-source operating system is primarily designed for mobile hardware platforms such as ultra-mobile notebooks, tablets, embedded in-vehicle infotainment systems and smart phones.
The MeeGo project is hosted by The Linux Foundation, a non-profit consortium dedicated to fostering the growth of Linux. AMD is currently a gold level member of the Linux Foundation and has a seat on The Linux Foundation’s board of directors.

About AMD
Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is an innovative technology company dedicated to collaborating with customers and technology partners to ignite the next generation of computing and graphics solutions at work, home and play. For more information, visit http://www.amd.com.

About MeeGo
MeeGo is an open source, Linux project which brings together the Moblin project and Maemo into a single open source activity. MeeGo integrates the experience and skills of two significant development ecosystems, versed in communications and computing technologies. The MeeGo project believes these two pillars form the technical foundations for next generation platforms and usages in the mobile and device platforms space. For more information, visit http://meego.com.

[Engadget]

AMD Makes $1.65 Billion In Q2 Revenue

Amit Chowdhry — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:35:28 +0000

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE:AMD) has made $1.65 billion in revenue for the second quarter. However AMD is still in the red with a net loss of $43 million. AMD made 5% more revenue in the first quarter of 2010 and a 40% increase since Q2 of 2009 when they lost $330 million. [BusinessWire]

Intel Paying AMD $1.25 Billion For Settlement

Amit Chowdhry — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:22:53 +0000

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE:AMD) have come to an agreement. Intel will pay AMD $1.25 billion as part of the agreement. Previously AMD argued that Intel was using incentives for PC manufacturing companies to making exclusive deals with them. The litigation process started back in 2004.

AMD will be dropping their lawsuits in Delaware and two pending cases in Japan. They are also going to withdraw all regulatory complaints. However Intel isn’t completely off the hook yet. Government agencies could still bring a case against Intel. The European Union already fined Intel $1.45 billion this past May. Intel is appealing the fine from the European Union.

AMD and Intel have also made a cross-license agreement that will allow AMD to split into two companies. Globalfoundries is the other company that AMD has spun off. Globalfoundries does not have to worry about lawsuits from Intel either.

“Everybody is a winner here including Intel. They should be congratulated for trying to put this behind them and listen to everyone’s concerns as well as defend their rights,” stated AMD CEO Dirk Meyer in a conference call.