PC, Internet still have a lot of life -- Intel exec
(In Chicago story headlined, ``PC, Internet still have a lot of life -- Intel exec,'' please read in eighth paragraph that PC industry will have shipped almost 1 billion computers. (Corrects figure).
A corrected version follows:
CHICAGO, April 4 (Reuters) - The computer isn't dead and the Internet still has a fruitful life despite the struggles of numerous dot-com companies over the past year and slowing computer sales, a top Intel Corp. (NasdaqNM:INTC - news) executive said on Wednesday.
``It's not that the Internet is bankrupt, it's that bankrupt business models are bankrupt,'' Intel executive vice president Sean Maloney told thousands of people at a technology conference here.
The past year, with numerous dot-com companies going out of business, proves nothing other than that bad ideas will fail, said the head of Intel's networking and communications group. Nevertheless, Intel, which makes more than 80 percent of the microchips that power PCs, still believes the Internet and PCs hold great promise.
With numerous technology companies, including the No. 1 maker of semiconductors, warning of a slowdown, reducing their earnings forecasts and cutting work forces, the mood in the tech sector has been glum. Analysts have even said it is possible PC sales may fall this year, which would be the first time that has ever happened.
Maloney called the last 12 months, during which tech companies have seen their stock values plunge after a huge run-up, "the world's biggest hangover after the world's biggest
party."
He added that the PC has weathered attacks before, however, and it should be around for a while as long as new technologies are developed that make it easier to use.
``I've come here not to bury the PC, but to praise it,'' he said. ``Not surprising for an Intel person.''
He pointed out that the PC is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and the industry will come close to shipping its 1 billionth unit.
Intel is in the midst of rolling out its Pentium IV chip, its newest model, for use in desktop computers. Maloney told Reuters the roll-out is going well, especially as memory prices have fallen. |
