A collapse in memory spending, combined with a weak economy, is driving a major contraction in semiconductor capital equipment spending in 2008, according to Gartner, Inc.
Asia Pacific semiconductor sector revenue is forecast to reach almost US$160 billion in 2008, a 6.4 per cent increase from 2007 revenue of US$150 billion, according to the latest projections by Gartner, Inc.
Worldwide consumer broadband connections will grow from 323 million connections in 2007 to 499 million in 2012, according to Gartner, Inc.
Memory market conditions will be very poor during the first half of 2008, with prices falling due to oversupplied conditions for DRAM and NAND flash, the firm reports.
A panel of industry watchers chime in with their thoughts on what 2008 holds for the semiconductor industry.