To many people the technological wizardry that is used in modern devices like smartphones and tablets is not important as most consumers prefer simply to use their gadgets than to know how they work. However, there are are several stakeholders who want to know how new products entering the market work including manufactures, journalists and competitors. In order to get to the details of how a device like the new iPhone 5 functions, many turn to firms like Canada’s Chipworks. The Ottawa based firm reverse-engineers technology, utilizing their team of 135 employees. The firm has been working its magic for the past 20 years and many in the industry know that they can deliver fast and accurate assessments of new products.
UBM TechInsights is another firm that does the same work as Chipworks and is also located in Ottawa. Both companies have seen the demand for their services increase as the number of devices and products being released by manufacturers have increased as well. For example, when the iPhone 5 was released, every news outlet and technology writer turned to Chipworks and UBM TechInsights to figure out what exactly ran the new smartphone.
Most people were interested in finding out exactly which manufacturers were supplying parts to Apple and benefiting from the California based firm’s incredible success. Previously Samsung had been a major parts contributor to Apple’s phone but with the recent patent disputes it seemed that Samsung has been replaced. Others also asked about the new A6 chip that powered the phone.
Only a few years ago reverse-engineering was a task done by workers within large firms. Today private companies like Chipworks and UBM TechInsights are hitting $100 million in sales. These firms have now also found business with firms looking to protect their intellectual properties. Manufactures and patent holders pay Chipworks and UBM TechInsights to analyze products and provide data that can be used in court against rival firms.
Ottawa is benefiting heavily from firms that deal in patent protection especially after the cities experience with Nortel Networks and its large patent line up. Big players like Google and Apple were handled by firms like Mosaid, Wi-LAN and Rockstar Consortium to generate large revenues. The expertise has stuck around and firms like Chipworks and UBM TechInsights are enjoying more and more of the limelight.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
Photo: Engadget
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