Intel: Friend or foe?
 

news analysis In the late 1990s, when Epson's U.S. division decided to adopt Cyrix chips for its PCs, the reaction from headquarters of the Japanese conglomerate was swift and ominous.

"Epson and Intel had an extensive cross-licensing arrangement, and I got a call from the VP of licensing," a former Epson executive said. "'We really want you to reconsider your decision,' he said. Clearly, someone had gotten to him."

That someone, according to this executive, was from Intel--Cyrix's archrival. And even though the U.S. group didn't bow to the pressure from headquarters, Epson eventually turned to Intel when Cyrix ran into manufacturing problems.

http://news.com.com/Intel+Friend+or+...?tag=nefd.lede

Transmeta is a good example. The Company is now only selling services and technology other than making low power chips once in some Japanese laptop.