Publication

This article examines how e-commerce changes the semiconductor industry, describing the influence on vertical integration by "fabless" design and marketing firms, which hire "foundries" for the physical production process online. The authors raise questions in regard to the future location of employment in the industry. The role of equipment suppliers who develop process models and thus facilitating entry into the market is also analyzed. The authors conclude that internet and intranet tools are expected to lead to the development of new and more efficient manufacturing mode and business models.