Intel will pay deveolpers who write software for Intel's i740 based graphics board. Will CUBE pay developers who write drivers for ZiVA, or will we have to wait for WIN98?
techweb.cmp.com
Posted: 3:00 p.m. EST, 2/26/98
Intel to sell i740 graphics cards
By Anthony Cataldo
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- To jump start its fledgling business in the
graphics market, Intel Corp. will soon begin to sell graphics cards based
on its recently introduced i740 graphics processor, and will offer financial
rewards to software developers that tailor their applications to run on the
new platform.
In coming months, Intel will detail a plan to provide
accelerated-graphics-port cards through Intel's authorized distributors and
so-called Genuine Intel dealers. No plans have been made to sell the
graphics cards through retail outlets. A spokesman said Intel expects only
minimal sales overlap with graphics-board vendors ASUStek, Diamond,
Number 9, Real3D and STB, which plan to offer graphics cards based on
the Intel740.
An official at one graphics-card company said Intel's intention to sell its
own graphics cards has been known for some time. "Intel builds its own
motherboards and sells processors to motherboard makers. It happens,"
said the official, who requested anonymity. "Most of us close to Intel knew
it was coming down."
The source added that there's still plenty of opportunity for graphics-board
makers to add value. "Most of us have our own software utilities for
modifying the desktop and customizing user interfaces. And we will be able
to offer a portfolio of products with higher performance, so a customer
may look to us to supply two pieces of the pie," the source said.
Meanwhile, Intel and partner Real3D, which provided much of the
rendering technology for the Intel740, said a significant effort is under way
to provide incentives for software developers to take advantage of 2x
AGP and unique pixel-rendering technology the device offers.
"There's significant activity surrounding that right now," said George
Forbes, manager of product marketing for Real3D. "These [software
developers] at the end of the day have to decide where they are going to
put their development efforts. If that means you've got to throw a little
money at them, then that's the cost of doing business." |
