LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL SA - Shareholder.com
LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL SA - Shareholder.com
LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL SA - Shareholder.com
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Table of Contents<br />
Audio<br />
The Company’s audio development resources cover a wide range of audio technologies. In speaker systems, Logitech uses advanced<br />
<strong>com</strong>puter-aided design and simulation tools for amplifier and printed circuit board design. Sophisticated laser and PC-based technologies<br />
support speaker transducer design. For headsets, in-house engineering and testing technology ensure high-resolution voice recognition<br />
microphones. Computer-aided design and in-house rapid prototyping technology speed the overall process and help ensure that products meet<br />
design and performance goals.<br />
Research and Development<br />
We believe that continued investment in product research and development is critical to Logitech’s success. We believe that our<br />
international structure provides advantages and synergies to our overall product development efforts. Our product research and development<br />
activities are conducted mainly at the following engineering centers.<br />
Switzerland. Logitech’s Swiss engineering center in Romanel-sur-Morges provides us with advanced sensing and cordless technologies.<br />
In addition, the center is a convenient point for gaining access to leading European technologies. We have been successful in recruiting and<br />
retaining top engineering graduates from leading Swiss universities because we are one of the few personal <strong>com</strong>puter technology <strong>com</strong>panies<br />
with research and development activities in Switzerland. In February 2007, Logitech, in collaboration with Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de<br />
Lausanne (“EPFL”), created the Logitech EPFL incubator, which will offer a select number of students and researchers financial, educational<br />
and functional support to develop their ideas into the technologies and personal peripherals of the future.<br />
Taiwan. Through our engineering center in Hsinchu, Taiwan, we have established access to key Asian markets, engineering resources<br />
and high-tech manufacturing. Taiwan is a world leader in manufacturing and engineering, particularly in the design and manufacture of<br />
semiconductors, notebook <strong>com</strong>puters, scanners, monitors and related products. Moreover, the <strong>com</strong>mon language of Taiwan and China<br />
facilitates the transfer of products from Logitech’s engineering launch site in Taiwan to our high-volume manufacturing site in China.<br />
U.S.A. Our Fremont and Mountain View, California locations allow Logitech access to Silicon Valley’s talent pool, particularly<br />
important in the development of Internet applications, software and video technologies, and wireless networking. In addition, locations in the<br />
midst of the world’s leading technology market enable us to <strong>com</strong>pile market intelligence to define and position products and develop key<br />
strategic alliances.<br />
Logitech’s Vancouver, Washington engineering center designs and develops our audio products. The facility specializes in acoustic<br />
research and development, including model and simulation work. Areas of development include cordless audio applications, demanding<br />
applications for audio input such as voice recognition, and audio output for PC speakers.<br />
Canada. Logitech’s Mississauga, Canada engineering center designs and develops our Web-connected advanced remote control<br />
products. In addition, our Canadian engineering center develops and maintains Logitech’s on-line Smart State database of infrared codes and<br />
device characteristics used in programming the Web-connected advanced remotes.<br />
Germany. Our 3Dconnexion subsidiary, whose research and development facility is located in Seefeld, Germany, provides Logitech<br />
with ongoing research in 3D controller devices. The location of the facility provides access to Germany’s leading automotive manufacturers,<br />
who are important 3Dconnexion customers and to the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics (DLR), a leading research center in robotics from<br />
which we have licensed some of our 3D technology.<br />
Our research and development expenses for fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 amounted to $108.3 million, $88.0 million and $73.9<br />
million. We expect to continue to devote significant resources to research and development to sustain our <strong>com</strong>petitive position.<br />
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