3Dfx invests in Quantum3D – technology alliance follows

Visual simulation specialist Quantum3D has formed a business and technology alliance with 3Dfx, following the conclusion of its latest round of funding, which included an investment from the 3D graphics chipset developer. The alliance will see the two companies co-operating on the development and promotion of high-end products based on 3Dfx's Voodoo graphics technology. The deal also involves the cross-licensing of each partner's technologies. Quantum3D will also become 3Dfx's exclusive supplier of Voodoo3 technology to the visual simulation and coin-op markets. That 3Dfx would take a closer interest in Quantum3D comes as no surprise. Quantum3D has long been a Voodoo licensee, using each generation of the 3D graphics acceleration system to power its professional visual simulation-oriented Obsidian cards and its Quicksilver products for PC-based coin-op games. Quantum's products have been sold to the likes of Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Renault, Atari, Midway and Sega. However, its relationship with 3Dfx was strengthened last year when it became one of the few graphics card companies to reiterate its support for 3Dfx following the latter's purchase of card manufacturer STB (see Quantum3D maintains alliance with 3Dfx). For 3Dfx, not only does it make sense to back one of its most vociferous advocates, but Quantum3D's focus on professional applications is cherished as one of the few companies working outside of the games arena, the market with which 3Dfx is most -- almost exclusively, in fact -- associated. And at a time when many gamers and market watchers are wondering whether 3Dfx's forthcoming Voodoo3 technology can compete with arguably better products from ATI, S3 and nVidia, Quantum3D's design to stick with it is an important design win. Financial details of 3Dfx's investment in Quantum3D were not disclosed. ®