| Singapore-based Fujitsu Microelectronics Asia Pte Ltd
(Fujitsu Microelectronics) and Bangalore's Federal Technologies Limited
(Fedtec) has inked a strategic partnership agreement aimed at maximizing
both companies' strengths in targeted applications in the digital
television space.
Under the agreement, Fujitsu Microelectronics will provide Fedtec
with essential development tools, data sheets and technical information
on Fujitsu Chipsets for its designs. The agreement will also enable
Fujitsu Microelectronics to render the quickest possible response
on technical support and impart training on new hardware to Fedtec.
In addition, Fujitsu Microelectronics will also support Fedtec's
engineering and design group by sharing product roadmaps from time
to time, said an official release.
The agreement also allows both companies to adopt a flexible business
model. Fedtec will have the right to buy key components from Fujitsu
Microelectronics for the manufacture and sales of set-top box products
using these components. Fedtec will sell original design end-products
made according to customer's specifications, manufactured out of
a third party facility in India or elsewhere, to any customers in
the world.
Fujitsu Microelectronics, a subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited, is one
of the major suppliers in the microelectronics and flat panel display
Industry. Fedtec, a Bangalore-based original design manufacturer,
is one of the key players in digital television technologies and
in particular, a recognized leader in set-top box designs and products,
added the release.
Fujitsu Microelectronics Asia Pte Ltd vice president Ronnie Lau
said, "This strategic partnership will be a 'win-win' relationship
for both the two companies. We will be able to leverage on each
other's strengths and capabilities especially for the design of
set-top boxes".
Federal Technologies Limited chairman & ceo Rathan Kumar said,
"With our assistance, Fujitsu Microelectronics will be able to make
inroads into the huge Indian market. As for Fedtec, we will be able
to gain from the transfer of the latest technologies and the backing
of a reputable brand such as Fujitsu Microelectronics".
The potential demand for set-top boxes in India is substantial
as there are more than six million cable-connected households in
the Indian Metros. Assuming 25% opted for Pay TV in the first year
of CAS implementation, 1.5 million set-top boxes will be needed.
This figure excludes the requirements of the 37 millions cable-connected
households in the remaining part of the country.
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