Four Taiwan ODMs of cellular phones — Acer Communications and Multimedia Inc., Arima Communication Corp., Compal Communications Inc. and GVC Corp. — are the first companies to participate in the program, which features competitive pricing, continuous supply, software porting and technical design assistance. The role of cell phone ODMs has become increasingly important as more major cell phone manufacturers outsource the building of handsets.
"Internet cell phones are requiring significantly larger amounts of flash memory as voice and data applications converge in the wireless Internet economy," said Curt Nichols, vice president and general manager of Intel’s Flash Products Group.
"Intel StrataFlash memory provides twice the density in the same space at a lower cost. Intel is excited to offer this program to our ODM customers because they rapidly adopt and produce new technologies," he added.
Intel StrataFlash memory incorporates multi-level cell technology to provide twice the bits. Higher density memory enables cell phone manufacturers to enhance cellular features for its customers to include storing audio music files, Web caching, Java applications and more, without significantly increasing the cost of making the phones.
Coupled with Intel StrataFlash, Intel’s Flash Data Integrator (FDI) software offers customers the flexibility of user-defined code and data sizes with no hardware redesign required for changing systems.
Starting in 1997, Intel was the first company to ship high volumes of multi-bit per cell flash memory with Intel StrataFlash technology. Intel StrataFlash memory represents more than 25 percent of Intel’s current flash bit shipments.
"Intel StrataFlash memory and supporting software will enable us to deliver the designs and manufacturing necessary to bring high-quality, high-value phones quickly to the market," said Irwin Chen, vice president of Acer Communications and Multimedia’s wireless business unit.
"Arima is excited to be using its design, manufacturing and expertise in the GSM/GPRS arena with Intel StrataFlash technology," said Arima vice president Owen Chen. "We look forward to developing communications solutions that will meet consumer communication needs and drive the platforms of the future."
"By joining this program, Compal Communications can use Intel StrataFlash technology to bring more functionality and features into mainstream cell phones while reducing time to market," said Stephen Chen, senior director of Compal Communications’ research and development department.
"Working with Intel is important for GVC, as we strive to meet the increasing demand for Internet-enabled phones," said Paul Wang, vice president of GVC’s communication group. "Intel StrataFlash technology provides the highest density and lowest cost per bit to enable us to bring new products that support content and services for next-generation wireless networks."