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Follow UsAcer is one of the success stories to have
emerged from Taiwan. Other than just being an Asian company to make it big in the
international market, it also represents the potential that exists in Asia and how it is
possible to be a global player and take on the giants from the US. The company has
undergone its share of troubles and has also transformed itself when required. And the
fact that it continues to hold forth despite the crisis speaks a lot for the company that
was founded by Stan Shih, alongwith five others, with a capital of $25,000.
The company saw rapid growth during its
first decade as a Taiwanese company pioneering new microprocessor-based applications. It
was the first Taiwanese IT company to introduce an IBM-compatible PC in 1983. The company
continued its growth path by paying attention to its marketing requirements. It started
the first franchised retail chain for PC products and a string of PC-related magazines.
Stan Shih's current vision is to turn Acer into a global federation of 21 independent
firms by the 21st century-he calls it the '21-in-21 goal' for Acer.
He envisages each company to be locally
owned and listed on a local stock exchange. However, the federation will be held together
by a common brand and operating philosophy designed to keep Acer among the top computer
companies worldwide. What is more important is the manner in which the company planned its
global entry. We chronicle below how Stan Shih managed this move.
Phase I: Building the
foundation. Commercializing the microprocessor technology (1976-1985).
Mission: Promote microprocessor application.
Acer established a corporate culture based on the founders' firm belief in "the
goodness of human nature." This belief was exemplified in the stock offer made to all
employees of the company. During this phase, Acer significantly contributed to the
popularization of computer technology in Taiwan.
1976/77: Acer was founded under the name of Multitech, focusing on trade
and product design.
1978: Microprocessor Training Center established. The center has to its
credit training 3,000 engineers for Taiwan's information industry.
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1979: Taiwan's first mass-produced computer product for export: ADI CRT
Terminal 80 designed.
1981: Manufacturing operations begin at Taiwan's Hsinchu Science-based
industrial park.
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1982: MicroProfessor-II becomes Taiwan's first 8 bit-home computer.
1983: Based on the success of Microprocessor Bulletin, Third Wave
Publishing Corp is established.
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in Taiwan.
1984: Continental Systems Inc (Acer Peripherals Inc) and Multiventure
Investments Inc are established.
1985: Established Taiwan's first and largest franchised computer chain.
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Germany.
Acer is now aiming at bigger and greater things-like the Aspire Park.
Working to live is a necessity for most
people. Living to work is a lifestyle choice, but leads to disharmony between the personal
and professional sides of life. The new model embodied by Aspire Park-placing equal
emphasis on occupation, artistic inspiration, cultural development and continuing
education-offers a harmonious solution to the challenges faced in evolving IT lifestyles.
In terms of blending both business and
lifestyle philosophies, the company's development of innovative new products is a powerful
way to support its vision of the Digital Revolution's future. But appreciating the fact
that people are more important than products, Acer is striving to aid mankind's
aspirations for a more harmonious balance in life and lifestyle.
Phase II: Acer Goes
Global, creating a new '4th Way' for globalization (1986-1995)
Mission: Creating a brand name in the global arena.
1986: Beats IBM with 32-bit PC.
Multitech Laboratories Inc Acer Laboratories is established to design ASIC.
1987: The Acer name is created to replace Multitech.
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Computers.
1988: Acer Inc launches IPO in Taiwan.
1989: TI-Acer DRAM joint venture with Texas Instruments is established.
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keyboards and monitors.
1990: Acer acquires Altos.
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launched.
1991: ChipUp is introduced as world's first 386-to-486 single-chip CPU
upgrade solution.
1992: Acer creates world's first 386SX-33 chipset.
1993: ChipUp is licensed to Intel.
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architecture is developed to link MIPS RISC CPU and Windows NT.
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Suzhou, China.
1994: Acer introduces world's first dual Pentium PC.
1995: Aspire becomes the world's most enjoyable multimedia home PC,
acting as a bridge into the consumer electronic markets.
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Singapore.
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RBU.
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Philippines.
Phase III: Building a global brand.
Creating brand awareness and moving into new consumer markets (1996-Beyond 2000).
Mission: To provide fresh technology which can be enjoyed by everyone,
everywhere.
During the company's 20th anniversary celebrations, the third phase of development was
launched, including basic goals for technological innovations and simplifications of
operations. Top priority was placed on delivering the freshest, most-affordable technology
for the benefit of consumers worldwide.
1996: The Acer Aspire receives PC Magazine's 'Editor's Choice Award.'
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agreement with IBM, Intel and Texas Instruments allowing use of each other's patented
technology.
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$500 per unit, igniting a trend toward low-cost computers.
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Sertek launches IPO in Taiwan.
1997: Acer acquires Texas Instruments notebook subsidiary, becoming the
world's fifth largest notebook maker.
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breaking ceremony is held for Aspire Park, a multi-function hi-tech intelligence park.
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China. Acer Information products (Philippines) Inc opens massive new Subic Bay
manufacturing facilities.
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Peripherals (UK) Ltd and monitors facility in Wales, UK.
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Asia-Pacific IT Summit.
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interest, renames the company Acer Semiconductor Manufacturing Inc.
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IBM with license TFT-LCD technology.
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in Bangkok. Establishing world's first computer management system for major international
sporting event.
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Mexico, to manufacture major PC components.
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AcerAltos 19000 Pro4 server first place in TPC-C price/performance ranking.