Intel’s Atom: A Chip Off The Old Block
Its stock lumbering along in the same trading range for years, Intel is one of those tech blue chips that many investors find dull, if stolid. But with the Atom, the company’s entry in the embedded processor market, Intel could be on the verge of going nuclear once again.
Embedded processors are the brains of thousands of intelligent utilitarian devices ranging from electronic signs to exercise equipment and hand-held remote terminals. Not as smart or expensive to make as chips used in PCs and mobile devices, these economical-to-operate microchips may be the hottest ticket on the market.
How hot? In the most recent quarter, Intel received some 3,800 inquiries from companies wanting Atoms designed into their products.
For years, pundits have gone loony over the coming day when every home appliance and business tool will be outfitted with intelligence that lets the device know the user, instantly respond to or even anticipate commands and contribute to our favorite bywords, “the comforts of life” and “productivity.” Arguably, we’ve heard this litany for so long that many dismiss it as Sci-Fi hooey. Well, that day is here, and Intel may be about to show just how big a deal it can be when Atoms are a part of everything.
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