Qimonda rises in ranks, but future hangs

In terms of sales, Samsung was the world's largest DRAM maker in Q3 08, followed by Hynix, Elpida, Qimonda, Micron, Nanya, Powerchip and ProMOS, in particular order, according to the market research group's ranking. Click here to view full list.

In the market standing, Qimonda has achieved a share and has taken fourth spot, surpassing Micron Technology Inc.

But its fate could be short-lived. Micron recently inked a definitive deal to buyout Qimonda's 35.6 percent ownership stake in Taiwan DRAM venture Inotera Memories Inc. for $400 million in cash. According to reports, Micron has announced an option to take over competitor Qimonda.

- Mark LaPedus
EE Times