Intel Corporation
The Basic Story Regarding Intel and Information Systems
Intel is expanding its business focus but has traditionally been the world leader in the microprocessor segment of
the Semiconductor Industry. One could categorize Intel today as being the major company in
the PC component business while recognizing that it is also in other segments of the industry.
The complexity and miniturization of its products and pressures because of the increasingly shorter
product cycles leads to the conclusion that Intel must be a major user of computer-based design
systems. The same can be said for the importance of manufacturing systems. A lively argument
could be made as to whether engineering design or manufacturing systems are more important to Intel's success
as a business. It has obviously made its name through the design of microprocessors that are
the de facto standard in the PC industry. If it was not able to realize high
yield levels in manufacturing the microprocessors it would not achieve the profit margins that are
so critical to sustaining its competitive position in the market.
Design and manufacturing systems have been a traditional strength of Intel. Andy Grove would confirm this
and third on his list of competitive systems would be Intel's global network. The ability to link efforts
around the world is critical for Intel to function as a multinational company. Its busines and
administrative systems have not been of the same high standard as its design and manufacturing systems.
This is definitely changing as Intel understands the importance of these systems and the role that they play
in establishing and maintaining on-going relationships with its customers.
Intel and the Semiconductor Industry
- Intel Web Page
-
Grove Named Time Man of the Year
- Jackson, Tim, Inside Intel: Andy Grove and the Rise of the World's Most Powerful Chip Company,
New York: A Dutton Book, 1997. (see Recommended Reading on Jack Callon's Web Page)
- Kanz, J., "Technology, Power and Structure: Consequences for US
Semiconductor Competitiveness." US Technology Management, May 6, 1994.
- Grove, Andrew S., Only the Paranoid Survive, New York: A Currency Book published by Doubleday, 1996.
- Intel Everywhere
- "Semiconductors: the Buildings Blocks of the Information Revolution"
Monthly Labor Review, August, 1996
- Schlender, B., "Why Andy Grove Can’t Stop." Fortune Magazine. Jul. 10, 1995, p. 88-89.
- Kirkpatrick, D. "Intel's Amazing Profit Machine." Fortune Magazine. Feb 17, 1997.
- Epstein, J. "Why Grove Worries?" Financial World, Aug 1, 1995. P. 28.
- Intel's Research Arm
- Audio tape of presentation by Carlene Ellis at San Jose State University in Nov. 1997.
- Semiconductor Industry Analysis
- Book Confronts Issues Challenging Semiconductor Industry
- Internet to be Major Growth Driven of the Semiconductor Industry
Semiconductor Industry Associations
Other Semiconductor Industry References
Key People within Intel
Tips on Writing an Analysis Paper on Intel
- Do not define Intel's industry as microprocessors. These have been its obvious strengths
but Intel is branching into other product areas like telecommunications. What can logically
be done, is to analyze Intel's role and position within the PC component segment of the
Semiconductor Industry as shown in the following chart.
.
- Clearly define the industry based on major product categories and make the point that all
companies do not compete in all product categories.
- Introduce the industry with a brief history of semiconductors since they are relatively new.
- Be sure to include the Japanese companies and their historical role within the industry.
- Be aware of the changing of the guard at Intel with the retirement of Gordon Moore and
the role of Craig Barrett as the new CEO.
- Be careful not to confuse selling "chips" for PCs versus using information systems to
design, manufacture, sell, service, support, etc. the business processes to accomplish this.
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