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AMD's Dual-Core Innovates; Intel Makes Money

Multicore processing in mainstream server systems could have as much impact on the direction of IT in the next decade as any other new technology, but the first dual-core processors from Intel are targeted at the desktop and workstation, an area where gains from multiple cores seem more dubious. Although Intel is undoubtedly working hard to get its dual-core Xeons to market, they're currently not expected before late this year or early 2006.

During Intel's call Tuesday with analysts following disclosure of another strong financial quarter -- Intel had nearly double in earnings what AMD had in revenue for the same quarter -- president and chief operating officer Paul Otellini seemed unfazed by AMD's coup. "The numbers speak for themselves," he said. "People pay a premium for Intel products, and we are outselling our competition by a large measure."

When AMD hit the market two years ago Thursday with the first 64-bit x86 microprocessors, it was able to create a new market dynamic for itself as a true technology innovator. For the past two years, AMD has been leading the way and not simply trying to steal sockets from Intel with a "clone" device. That technology innovation has gained AMD new respect in the market, but due to a number of factors, the company hasn't been able to use that momentum to transform itself into an unqualified financial success. Intel's slow movement in the dual-core arena, however, provides AMD a second opening, one it's already exploiting with new server designs from Hewlett-Packard and IBM.

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