Jun 13, 2011 08:56 GMT  ·  By

While NVIDIA is investing in makers of chip verification software, Advanced Micro Devices isn't slacking off, having also entered a deal with ViVu, a designer of videoconferencing technologies.

The IT industry is filled with various low-profile and upstart companies that, although not known very well, often turn out to have genuinely good ideas.

Many of them end up being bought off by larger corporations, while others sometimes get investments meant to allow them to build upon their projects.

ViVu is one of the latter sort, having received the financial assistance of Advanced Micro Devices, via the latter's Fusion Fund.

"AMD’s investment in ViVu is enabling us to create an environment where we can help shape the future of video collaboration with bold, new applications that can be improved using AMD’s technology" said Sudha Valluru, founder and chief executive officer of ViVu.

"HD video collaboration can be enabled from nearly every desktop with AMD Fusion APUs, delivering a big improvement from expensive room-based services for enterprise-quality video. Working with AMD also brings us networking opportunities with OEM partners, enterprises and academia worldwide, opening up potential new business channels for us"

ViVu will use whatever funds AMD funnels into it (the sum was not disclosed) to develop not just software capable of using the full capabilities of AMD GPUs, but also display technologies.

The ViVu VuRoom videoconferencing solution is one of the main things the two are collaborating on, as is a prototype wireless display solution for Full HD video streaming from notebooks to network-connected TVs, tablets, other notebooks, etc.

"The AMD Fusion Fund program was designed not only to invest in promising companies, but also to stimulate ideas around next-generation computing applications. ViVu is a prime example of AMD's commitment to working with emerging developers and established industry leaders to bring new user experiences to life," said Manju Hegde, corporate vice president, AMD Fusion Experience Program.