Fred, Article....Intel cuts broad path...
March 16, 1999
ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING TIMES : The recent Intel Developer Forum, at which Intel delivered its detailed technology vision for the next generation of PCs, vividly illustrated the complexity of the company's role in the computer industry. Much more than just a microprocessor supplier, Intel is seeking to drive the evolution not only of conventional PCs but also of servers and workstations.
Three areas emerged in which Intel's positions have caused considerable controversy: USB vs. 1394, DRAM and server I/O. Because of Intel's enormous influence with regard to the direction of the platform, through its chip-set and motherboard businesses as well as its standard-setting efforts, the company's technology plans will affect many semiconductor and system makers.
Intel' plans for a 10-to-20-times speed boost for the Universal Serial Bus (USB), due to roll in the second half of 2000, dramatically diminishes the opportunity for the IEEE 1394 interface in PC mass storage, scanners and other peripherals. Intel now positions 1394 as a consumer-electronics link-a sensible move, given that the interface's success has been almost solely in that arena, but a disappointment for those who sought a broader role for the standard.
In the DRAM arena, the big issue is the emergence of Direct Rambus DRAMs. The SLDRAM consortium has folded its tent, leaving double-data-rate SDRAM as the primary Direct RDRAM competitor for next-generation systems. Intel's staunch support of Direct RDRAM remains unchanged, making it all but inevitable that this will be the next memory standard. Backers of 133-MHz and DDR SDRAM claim their designs are superior for many applications, but Intel's influence is likely to eventually limit them to a few niches.
The transition, however, will be slower than Intel and Rambus Inc. had hoped. Low yields on the 800-MHz memories spawned plans for a 600-MHz speed bin, which compromises performance significantly. Because initial production volume will be low, prices will be high. And Intel's first chip set to support Direct RDRAM is rumored to be delayed until September.
Server I/O is the most controversial of the sticky wickets. Intel is backing its Next-Generation I/O (NGIO) scheme, with Sun as a partner. Three other leading server makers, on the other hand-IBM, Compaq and Hewlett-Packard-have balked at NGIO and are promoting a similar alternative under the banner of Future I/O. Next month, I'll delve into this debate.
By Michael Slater |
