Intel Launches New Israeli-Developed Pentium Chip; $100 Mln Investment
By Tamir Eshel
Today, Intel launches a new processor that
combines Pentium characteristics with
advanced multimedia capabilities. The
Pentium with MMX technology was entirely
developed in Israel, at Intel's research
center in Haifa, at a $100 million investment.
The new chip will be integrated into
advanced multimedia computers, and within
a year, replace existing processors in
personal computers. Intel promises the new
processor will create a revolution in the PC
market, enhancing the standard personal
computer's capabilities for sound, video and
multimedia without the need for additional
cards.
Intel Israel president Dov Frohman said that
in the end, the new processor would reach
every PC-owning household in the world.
"The staff at the Haifa research and
development center showed exceptional
development abilities and original thinking.
This is an unprecedented historic
achievement for Israeli planning and
engineering."
Following this development, the Haifa
research and development center is
expanding activity, and hiring dozens of new
engineers. Direct investment in development
of the Pentium with MMX technology was
$100 million, while Intel's total investment in
the project was some $200 million.
The processor price will range from
$400-500 per unit, and the price of a full
computer will be $2,500-3,000 or $1,000
more than the US price of a standard
multimedia computer.
For full coverage of the Pentium MMX
launch, read "Globes" Israel's Business
Arena high-tech section tomorrow. |
