| Interview |
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| June 5, 2001 |
| Interview with Galaxy Semiconductor's CEO, Philippe LeJeune |
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Philippe LeJeune
CEO of
Galaxy Semiconductor |
Q: First and foremost, could you tell us a bit about Galaxy Semiconductor?
P.L.: Yes, I’ll be glad to. Galaxy Semiconductor develops, distributes and supports innovative software solutions for the semiconductor industry. Presently, our focus and expertise lies in the field of optimization. We bring optimization technology to the test operations of our clients helping them to reduce test costs and time-to-market.
Q: How did you arrive in this industry in the first place?
P.L.: Ah. Well, working as an intern for Teradyne in 1986, I designed an expert system solution for its Laser division that resulted in an unprecedented resistor trimming technique. This work allowed me to co-sign as inventor on Teradyne Patent 4,772,774.
That is when I launched Softlink, my first company. Softlink was really a development house where we developed a combination of hardware and software products that allowed users to extend the life-cycle of testers based on Teradyne’s M365. We also provided complete emulation solutions that enabled users to benefit from the whole PC environment, which was a real treat, and allowed our clients to extend the life of their early investments.
From there, I realized two things, which still hold true today: one, that test time optimization often came as an after thought, if at all, and two, that little was done on the software side of things. That’s when I launched my second venture, Galaxy Semiconductor, in mid 1999. Optimization and software in the field of semiconductor test is our expertise. With this expertise, we have put together a team to develop, sell, and support our software products around the world.
Q: What challenges lie ahead for your industry and Galaxy Semiconductor?
P.L.: Well, the semiconductor industry has its cycles, partly due to unpredictable demand, partly due to sudden production overcapacities as investments are huge. So down the supply chain, where we are, we have to adapt with our customers. Although cycles in our industry will continue, they tend to be shorter as companies have become more and more efficient. Yet, forecast visibility is shorter as well. Therefore, it is essential to develop long and lasting relationships.
Those that become leaders have to dare to explore new ideas, new products and focus on them.
TI made a bet that the DSP market held huge potential, and is now leader in that domain. ST Microelectronics dared, in the late 80’s, to focus on custom and rich multimedia chips, and is now pleasing its shareholders.
At Galaxy, we dare focus on optimization solutions to reduce the cost of test and time to market. Our challenge will not be on the products we deliver as I believe we have a mix of semiconductor test, software development and optimization knowledge that is unique in the industry. Our challenge will primarily come from our ability to continue to foster winning, long-term relationships with our customers and partners.
Q: Recently, the whole economy, and particularly the semiconductor industry, has been hit by a severe slowdown, if not a recession. What are your plans for the rest of 2001?
P.L.: Continue to innovate and continue to service our customers! To that extent, we have recently launched a division dedicated to custom software developments. It's the ADI (Advanced Development & Integration) division.
The ADI offering provides to its clients a one-stop shop for their applications. Galaxy ADI builds the application for them, manages the maintenance and evolution of the application with full life cycle services.
Clients serviced range from ATE manufacturers to semiconductor companies. Despite the current economic slowdown, ADI's immediate success comes from its unparallel expertise and its high quality standards in terms of project delivery.
We also plan to port our technology on new platforms. Stay tuned! |
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