Mark Osborne, Editor-in-Chief, Semiconductor Fabtech

ABSTRACT 

NAND flash memory is the fastest growing sector in the semiconductor industry, and is also the most intensely competitive semiconductor manufacturing space. Several major chip manufacturers have entered the market in recent years, while others have established alliances or mergers to remain competitive. In the more traditional NOR flash market, the major manufacturers have found the competitive landscape so strong that none have returned consistent profitability for several years. Spansion is the current market leader in NOR flash but faces key challenges in returning to sustainable profitability and retaining market share leadership. James Doran, Spansion's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer has the task of turning things around.