Hi all,

I would really appreciate some help if any of you have the time. I was researching stuff about companies such as Butterfly Labs and Cointerra and I saw that they both use some similar services. I was confused as to why they use Open Silicon (an ASIC design and development company) and Global Foundries (a fabricator, also something to do with "tape out"). I'm a big newbie with this stuff so I was hoping someone could explain to me the process from starting an ASIC mining company to shipping orders out.

For instance, are they developing something innovative and unique to their brand besides the design? My guess is yes because I always hear how they are working on the next big thing, like 20nm chips, and racing to get there first. But then I read that they order pieces from different manufacturers and assemble them so I'm confused.

Also, are they just paying other places to do research for them on the next big chip? Are they bringing in special people to develop the chips somewhere?

I know I must sound so stupid. I'm so lost. Can somebody help catch me up to speed? =/