Applied bags Inotera system support contract

SANTA CLARA, USA: Applied Materials Inc. announced that it has signed a two-year system support contract with Inotera Memories, Inc., a leading DRAM manufacturer in Taiwan.

The contract covers all Applied systems in Inotera’s 300mm facilities. Under this agreement, Inotera is likely to realize significant cost savings over their current practices, as well as improved system productivity.

“We’ve determined that partnering with Applied Materials will allow us to reduce cost and increase the performance of these systems,” said Alex Wang, Inotera Purchasing Department Manager. “We look forward to working with Applied to drive down the cost of our fab operations.”

“Inotera is a very successful DRAM manufacturer, and this contract affirms that we can bring significant value to a very cost-sensitive business model,” said Manfred Kerschbaum, senior vice president and general manager of Applied Global Services. “In addition to reducing costs, we improve performance by enabling the fastest time to repair and recovery, reducing customer risk and enhancing predictability of operations.”

Key to this system maintenance agreement is Applied’s ExpertConnect capability that employs Applied’s global support infrastructure, extensive database of best practices and remote diagnostic technologies to rapidly identify and repair problems.

Remote connectivity and robust data acquisition systems enable more efficient troubleshooting, tool matching, tool monitoring and faster response, regardless of the physical location of the equipment or service provider. ExpertConnect is a proven solution that is currently functioning on more than 1,000 Applied systems worldwide.

Inotera Memories Inc. is a joint venture between Qimonda AG and Nanya Technology. Inotera’s production facilities have been designed to manufacture high-density and high-performance commodity DRAM products using state-of-the-art technology.

The combination of Qimonda’s (the former Memory Products Group of Infineon Technologies) world leading technology and Nanya’s cost-efficiency in mass production has resulted in an innovative company that is highly productive, highly competitive and at the leading edge in the DRAM industry.