Ibm Regulatory News (IBM)

18 Oct 2007 13:25

Sony Corp18 October 2007 Sony CorporationSony Computer Entertainment Inc. Sony Group Expands High-Performance Semiconductors Manufacturing Alliances with IBM and Toshiba TOKYO, JAPAN - Oct 18, 2007: Sony Corporation and Sony Computer EntertainmentInc. (Sony Group) today announced two new and separate partnership agreementswith the goal of enhancing the capabilities of Sony Group's PlayStationbusiness. 1. IBM and Sony have signed an agreement to extend their existing manufacturingrelationship to 45-nanometer silicon-on-insulator (SOI) for high volumeproduction of the Cell Broadband Engine(TM) (Cell/B.E.) processor. Bothcompanies will collaborate to optimize the 45-nanometer manufacturing capabilityto produce a lower power and lower cost processor for Sony Group'sPLAYSTATION(R)3. IBM will lead the evolution of the Cell/B.E. component bytransitioning production from the existing 65-nanometer generation to 45-nanometer in IBM's manufacturing facility in East Fishkill, New York. 2. Separately, Sony Group will extend their alliance with Toshiba to manufacturehigh-performance LSI by using 45-nanometer bulk process technology. By forming ajoint venture company that leverages the knowledge and experience of bothcompanies, Sony Group and Toshiba intend to improve power consumption and costcompetitiveness for game and digital media applications by advancing to the45-nanometer generation from the existing 65-nanometer generation process. Sony Group will advance the high-performance semiconductors used for PlayStationwhile reducing costs by further strengthening its collaboration with itsrespective partner companies. These enhancements will continue to strengthen theleading capability of the PLAYSTATION(R)3 system and Sony Group's overallPlayStation business. "The transition to 45-nanometer SOI technology for the Cell Broadband Engine isa critical step to advancing the world class processor cost and powercharacteristics while maintaining supercomputer on chip performance capability"said Adalio Sanchez, general manager for IBM Global Engineering Solutions. "TheIBM team is excited to lead the production of the 45-nanometer Cell/B.E.processor in its East Fishkill 300mm facility and to help drive a broader use ofthis capability as both power and size scale down significantly." "Games are one of the focus areas for Sony Group's semiconductor business onwhich we have been concentrating since earlier this year. At the same time, wehave carefully assessed the manufacturing investment plan for advanced processtechnologies for 45-nanometer generation processes and beyond. We believe theproduction alliances that we have formed with IBM and Toshiba to manufacturehigh performance semiconductors for PlayStation by using state-of-the-artprocess technologies will lead to the advancement of the high-performancesemiconductor business for PlayStation. Sony Group will collaborate with IBM andToshiba to expand its high-performance semiconductor business for PlayStation bymaximizing knowledge in high-performance semiconductor design capability it hasgained over the years," said Yutaka Nakagawa, Executive Deputy President,Officer in charge of Semiconductor & Component Group, Sony Corporation. "I am delighted with our respective collaborations with Toshiba and IBM, whichaim to achieve LSI scaling and power reduction by 45-nanometer-generationprocess technology, and which will enable us to further drive the advancementand cost reduction of semiconductor devices for PlayStation systems.Cutting-edge semiconductors are core devices for the PlayStation platforms. Withthe support of these strengthened relationships, SCE is committed to developfurther the PlayStation business and offer new and innovative interactiveentertainment," said Kaz Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony ComputerEntertainment, Inc. "This new cooperative relationship will enhance our production efficiency inhigh-performance semiconductors for game consoles, and accelerate the earlymigration of next generation process technology. Market growth ofhigh-performance semiconductors for game consoles, driven by strong demand forsuch devices as the RSX graphics engine for PLAYSTATION(R)3, is expected tocontinue and we will promote it as an important part of our System LSI business,a strategic business area. We are happy to continue to support Sony Group'sPlayStation business through this new framework, and we aim to offer a steadysupply of high-performance semiconductors in next generation process technologyas soon as possible to support market expansion," said Shozo Saito, CorporateSenior Vice President of Toshiba Corporation, President and CEO of Toshiba'sSemiconductor Company. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange