"MEMS: microminiaturizing quartz crystal apps"

The last holdout against the microminiaturization of electronics--the quartz crystal--may be set to fall. Wielding oscillators based on microelectromechanical-system technology, two startups aim to break quartz crystals' monopoly on the mechanical time references used in virtually all electronic devices today. If the two are successful, larger competitors with established MEMS programs could be hot on their heels. But while the rivals envision a multibillion-dollar market for MEMS oscillators, the parts' price tag could confine them, at least at the outset, to niche markets.
Text: http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=193400779