Sharp & Qualcomm Partner, First Solar Links with Zhenfa: Tech Biz Wrap

Sharp Corp (SHCAY) and Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) will jointly develop an energy-efficient LCD panel for smartphones, employing the former’s display tech, according to the Nikkei. More specifically, Sharp will supply its indium-gallium-zinc oxide tech, which greatly shrinks a panel’s power use. In return, Qualcomm will pay Sharp ¥5 billion yen, or $61 million, by the end of 2012 through a private placement of new shares.

In a Monday release, First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) reported an agreement with Zhenfa New Energy Science & Technology Co. to provide 2 megawatts of First Solars advanced thin-film solar modules to one of Zhenfas approved solar projects in Xinjiang province in the first quarter. The partnering will form First Solar’s first commercial demonstration project in China and also establish a strong platform through which to exhibit its state-of-the-art photovoltaic tech.

The longtime rivalry between Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ:ORCL) and SAP (NYSE:SAP), which comprise the ERP software market’s biggest firms, is moving towards a standoff, near the year’s end. The two firms now face common enemies, as  upstart ERP vendors based in the cloud, such as NetSuite and Workday emerge. Analyst Frank Scavo, president of consulting firm Strativa, comments that “The old battle between SAP and Oracle is kind of being fought to a draw. The real battle is the old guys vs. the new guys, and every indication is the new guys are winning.”

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