MIPS Computer Systems Inc, Sunnyvale, is doing so well with its multi-user, compute server and development systems, and is facing growing demand for the RISC microprocessors on which they are based, that it feels it is spreading itself too thin and wants to shed the latter business. According to Electronic News it is seeking a semiconductor manufacturer to take over the making and marketing of the RISCs, currently made in two micron CMOS under foundry agreements with Sierra Semiconductor and an unidentified other; it would then buy components from the chip company. It reportedly has 50 design wins already for the chips and reckons they would go even better with a committed chip company behind them. An unidentified Japanese firm is also reportedly seeking a stake in MIPS.
