Quantum Effect Devices, Inc. develops and supplies high performance embedded microprocessors. These microprocessors are used in information-intensive applications such as networking/communications infrastructure equipment, business network equipment and consumer network products. The advantage of embedded microprocessors is their high levels of information processing performance, reduced time market and price-competitiveness. Embedded microprocessors are based on a high-efficiency design approach known as reduced instruction set computing, or RISC, which is fundamentally different from the design approach used in most desktop computer microprocessors. The company changed its name from Quantum Effect Design, Inc. in fiscal 1999. Microprocessors accounted for 71% of fiscal 1999 revenues and royalties, 29%.