Just IT Hardware Blog

IBM and Hitachi announced plans to collaborate for a new mainframe computing environment that uses Hitachi’s operating system and IBM z Systems hardware technology. This partnership builds upon IBM and Hitachi’s long history of working together to expand computer technology and better serve their customer base.

The Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) has fined ELNA, Nichicon, Rubycon, and SCC for colluding on pricing for aluminum electrolytic capacitors. The total amount fined adds up to $15 million, which is the most the CCS has ever penalized. Investigations were initiated after Panasonic applied for immunity under the CCS leniency program, which prevents companies that report illegal activity from being incriminated. As a result, Panasonic was the only manufacturer who did not get fined. 1

Semiconductor manufacturing company Microchip recently introduced a new Serial EEPROM. This new device is able to utilize a bus that is single-wired using only 2 pins in accessing the device: SI/O and GRN. SI/O, which is the 1st pin, features a line that integrates power and data, This provides the needed power towards the device and also to the management of the data.

Dell Inc. announced that they will be releasing its first purpose-built industrial PCs early this summer. Industrial PCs offer different features than consumer PCs in regards to reliability, compatibility, expansion options and long-term supply. The new Dell Embedded Box PC 3000 & 5000 are fan-less, and are built to fit the ruggedness of the harsh industrial atmosphere.

Micro-Star International Co. Ltd, more commonly known as MSI, has returned as the champion of motherboard overclocking. Overclocking is the process of forcing a computer/component to operate faster than the manufactured clock frequency and in October of 2014, MSI’s X99S XPOWER AC beat the 3D Mark – Fire Strike world record of overclocking power.

Headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, Allegro MicroSystems, LLC is a leading designer and manufacturer of sensors and power integrated circuits (ICs). Specifically catering to the automotive industry, Allegro MicroSystems components can be found on a multitude of vehicular systems such as the anti-lock brake, electronic steering, automotive transmission, battery management, and throttle control systems.

Foxconn Technology Group, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd., is the world’s largest company in the Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) industry. Founded in 1974 by Terry Guo, the company now boasts a workforce of nearly one million strong, factories in over ten countries spanning Asia, Europe, Mexico, and South America, and a 2013 revenue of $109.9 billion. Foxconn operates primarily as a contract manufacturer (CM) and original design manufacturer (ODM), making products according to the specifications of outside firms. The company is a vendor for such industrial giants as Microsoft, Sony, Google, and Apple (which provides almost 40% of Foxconn’s revenue alone). Foxconn’s first factory in Shenzhen, China covers 1.16 square miles. The factory is tantamount to a self-sustaining city, even including its own television network Foxconn TV.

Flextron Circuit Assembly is a printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer located in Elk Grove, Illinois. The company was founded in 2005 by Jay Vora, a native of India with a B.S. in electronics, who moved to the United States seeking better opportunities. By 2008, the business was successful enough to move from a 6,500 to a 16,000 square foot facility and will eventually occupy 50,000 square feet. With over 50 employees, Flextron currently has a customer base exceeding 100 with 40% coming from the Chicago-area and the rest from other states. PCBs are fundamental to all but the simplest electronics. The circuit board functions as a place to mount components, as well as a router for power and signals between physical devices. The global market for PCBs is currently worth over $60 billion. Flextron remains competitive by maintaining the latest in cutting edge circuit assembly technology. The company manufactures on four surface-mount technology (SMT) lines that are each capable of producing 180K components per hour with microscopic level 01005, Micro BGA component placement. In addition to SMT (in which components are soldered directly onto the board)

In 1911, a company by the name of Computing Tabulating Recording Company (CTR) was formed via the merger of three separate companies: Tabulating Machine Company, International Time Recording Company, and Computing Scale Company. The company was renamed International Business Machines in 1924 and subsequently given the nickname IBM Big Blue, due mainly in part to their widespread use of blue in all their products as well as their logo. Today, IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation that specializes in manufacturing, designing, and marketing computer software and hardware products. In addition, they provide infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in mainframe computers, nanotechnology, and other areas. IBM acquired Kenexa in 2012, SPSS in 2009, and PwC’s consulting business in 2002. Since their inception, they have also spun off Lexmark in 1991 and sold of their extremely popular product lines such as ThinkPad and Lenovo in 2005. They now currently have 12 research laboratories which have allowed them to generate the most patents of any company for 20 straight years. IBM employees have been awarded the following prizes:

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