Intel Corp. in May delayed the launch of its closely
watched 64-bit microprocessor, code-named Merced, because it needed
more time to conduct tests. The chip is now due for production in
mid-2000, but in the meantime, Intel has quietly changed the engineering
team managing the high-profile project.
Gary Thomas, who since 1995 ran the project with Stephen Smith, an
Intel vice president, was transferred to the graphics chip division. The
company appointed Gadi Singer in his place to jointly manage the project
with Mr. Smith, who says the change was aimed at making the best use of
the various managers' skills and shouldn't be interpreted as a new problem
on Merced.
A spokesman says the matter wasn't disclosed because Intel doesn't
necessarily announce changes below the vice president level. (Mr. Singer,
who headed a group that makes chip design tools, was made a vice
president this week.) Chief Executive Craig Barrett, however, has been
more forthcoming about the Merced delay. "Frankly, it's embarrassing," he
said in an interview last month. "We've changed management and we are
getting back to the Intel basics."
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