Virata Corporation is an inactive acquired company that was a major contributor to the "Cambridge Phenomenon" or Silicon Fen high-tech cluster in the United Kingdom. Case studies[1] and research papers[2] have been created to illustrate the role of social networking in the creation of Virata's success. There is also research available on the role the company played in Silicon Valley venture networks.[3]
The ATML Period
It was formed in June 1993 as Advanced Telecommunication Modules Ltd, a company incorporated in the UK, as a spin-off from Olivetti Research Laboratory in Cambridge. The founders included Dr Hermann Hauser and Professor Andy Hopper; Hauser would serve as chairman from March 1993 to December 2001. ATML was a manufacturer of ATM products and a player in the "ATM to the desktop" market.
In September 1997, due to slow uptake in the ATM systems business, the company opted for a new business strategy focusing on semiconductor design and licensing.