Is IDT miffed over Cypress deal?

Electronic News, Feb 9, 1998 by Bernard Levine

San Jose, Calif.--Cypress Semiconductor's signing a worldwide distribution agreement with Future Electronics has prompted industry speculation that Cypress competitor Integrated Device Technology might bolt from Future.

Reached shortly before EN's deadline last week, an IDT spokesman said his firm was still "evaluating our best course of action," in light of Future's adding Cypress. "There is no decision yet on how this will impact our relation with Future."

Contacted at Cypress and asked about the reports of a possible Future-IDT rift over his firm's signing, Dan McCranie, Cypress senior VP, sales and marketing, replied "it would be spectacularly illogical if true." Future officials could not be reached for comment by deadline.

Cypress also continues with Arrow, Marshall, Bell Microproducts and EBV Electronics. Its worldwide distribution franchise agreement with Future authorizes the Montreal-headquartered distributor to sell Cypress's complete line of semiconductors, including memory products, computer clocks and microcontrollers, data communications products, and programmable logic.

"We aim to gain maximum leverage from the unique qualities Future brings to the table, including a large, globally diversified account base, and a targeted, face-to-face approach to pursuing smaller accounts through its FAI Electronics subsidiary, said Mr. McCranie.

Meanwhile, "the addition of Cypress Semiconductor as a new worldwide business partner enables us to bring leading-edge technology products and a design-in focus through our Technical Sales Manager Program to our customer base throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia," said E. Stephen Segal, executive VP/COO of Future. "Cypress offers products and services for fast-growing markets, including the high-density programmable logic arena, and data communications products for emerging networking technologies. We look forward to a long and successful, mutually rewarding partnership with one of the world's most innovative semiconductor suppliers."