Disco Ball of failed hopes (Intel)

From: JF Mezei (jfmezei.spamnot_at_teksavvy.com)
Date: 11/29/04 

Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2004 12:16:59 -0500

Interesting article about Intel on the NYT.

The title comes from the disco ball that Intel engineers have built for this
upcoming christmas part, each "mirror" is a chip from Intel's failed video LCD
chips. And the article talks baout various failed projects at Intel, as well
as the new incoming CEO, Mr Ottelini.

Article also mentions how AMD has stolen the limelight from Intel, and how
Dell is now thinking about starting to use AMD chips.

Ottelini is to present his vision to Wall Stree Casino Analysts this week.
Intel's stock lost 25% of its value this year.

No specific mention of IA64 in the article.

But there is this interesting paragraph:

##
Mr. Otellini will tell analysts that he plans to focus on four areas of
growth: international markets for desktop personal computers, mobile and
wireless applications, the digital home as well as a new initiative aimed at
large corporate computing markets that Intel is calling the Digital Office.
##

Does the "Digital Office" have anything to do with IA64 ?

One analyst said:

"The decision to preannounce an unproven technology was an uncharacteristic
one for Intel". Otellini is said to be the one who changed Intel to adopt the
more agressive marketing.

Another interesting paragraph:

##
<discussion about faster chips>. Instead, the company is now concentrating on
what he calls platforms: complete systems aimed at both computing and consumer
electronics markets.
##

If Intel will stop preannouncing vapourware, it will be interesting to see
what happens to IA64 marketing. So far, they have always marketed the future
of IA64 sicne the present has never really been so great. Right now, one is
expected to be patient until 2007 before IA64 becomes competitive. That is WAY
ahead in the future. What happens if Intel stops bragging about what IA64
might be in some distant future ?

And more importantly, does anyone know the type of involvment Otellini has had
with IA64 ? Is it his baby ? Was he against it ? When the guy takes over, does
that increase the chances that Intel will put IA64 out of its misery and
concentrate on the 8086 so it can regain the lead from AMD ?

I think you can get to the article at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/29/technology/29.intel

(registration required).

Relevant Pages

  • Re: It is almost certain now, INTEL will have 64bit x86 !!
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  • Re: Intel/Hp spend $10 billion on IA64
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