In the traditional electronics shows, only consumer-oriented electronics products were displayed. But in this particular show, visitors could see the consumer-oriented information products that integrated both computer technology and communications, and emphasized the advanced product features and compact product size.

Following the 1997 Windows^® CE wave, Microsoft^® continued to advocate the importance of Consumer Electronics to vendors of non-PCs. Microsoft’s intensive promoting efforts have invigorated the cold hardware that integrates the three information product aspects of consumers, computer and communications, the "3Cs." It extends the familiar Windows environment into daily life, and has greatly enhanced the lives of the general public.

The "green" features of Windows CE applications–-low power consumption, lighter weight and compact packaging—has made the new operating platform an ideal system choice in today’s environmental age. In view of the environmental trend in computers, Microsoft has cooperated with renowned system vendors like Compaq and HP, and CPU manufacturers like Hitachi and Motorola to develop a low-power consumption and highly efficient operating system–Windows CE.

To demonstrate its ambition in the Windows CE market, ITE is dedicated to providing complete Windows CE solutions, and has become the first Microsoft appointed System Integrator (SI) in Asia. In June 1997, ITE introduced the world’s first Intelligent Peripheral Controller (IPC) solution for Windows CE platforms (co-developed with Hitachi), which boosts the performance of the 2^nd generation H/PCs, Sub sub-notebooks, and Windows CE-terminals. Also, the palmtop HP 620LX, using the ITE IPC attracted a lot of attention from the industry at Comdex Fall’97. ITE is also working together with Microsoft and major CPU vendors to provide H/W and S/W total solutions.

Video and sound play are important product features, whether in increasingly popular sub-1000 PCs and palmtops, or in VCD, DVD, and Set-Top boxes. To follow the multimedia trend, ITE entered the market with its AC97 CODEC products, and is also developing the LCD product lines, which will soon hit the market, marking ITE’s debut performance in the video market.

It is common knowledge that the PC is still the mainstream product for the information industry, and where all latest information technologies are converged. ITE has shipped 16.8 million pieces of Super I/O (Input/Output) controllers around the world, approximately 25% of global Super I/O market share. This impressive record demonstrates ITE’s ability to deliver large quantities of high quality, cost effective devices. It is expected that I/O products with high integration capabilities and market competitiveness will become the key players in the new market of sub-1000 PCs.

ITE plans to launch the new series of Device Bay, USB, 1394, LPC (Low Pin Count) I/Os in the future.

It is clear that the futuristic information products that stress the human touch, life and consumer electronics will take the stage. As an experienced chipset design house, ITE is committed to providing advanced chipset solutions in a timely manner, and is well positioned to assist clients who are launching more competitive products characterized by the "3Cs."

Willy Peng, Manager, Sales, Integrated Technology Express, Inc., 15F, No. 376, Jen-Ai Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei, Taiwan 106, R.O.C. Telephone: [886]-(2) 2707-9589 X6078. Fax: [886]-(2)-2708-8389. e-mail: willy.peng@ite.com.tw website: www.ite.com.tw

Integrated Technology Express Inc. was founded in 1995 and is based in Hsinchu Science-Based Industrial Park, Taiwan. The company is in the business of designing and selling high-integration chips that allow engineers to design compact and low power products. The company has expertise in the areas of computer core-logic, peripheral, LCD VGA and power management.