Intel has for long been the biggest manufacturer of NOR flash. Although, NOR flash has been going downhill since 2005 while NAND flash has been grabbing market shares. Intel has now lost the position as the leading manufacturer as the market shares dropped from 29.0% to 24.2%, while Spansion went up from 26.1% to 30.4% of the market. Rumors have been passing around that both Intel and ST Microelectronics, the third largest NOR flash manufacturer with 15.8%, are about to venture for NAND flash as well. None of the manufacturers have taken the step yet though. According to iSuppli, 2006 was a better than 2005, but still far from good since the prices have been lowered and the earnings went done for several, among others Intel.
