SAN FRANCISCO — Intel continued its charge into its wireless future with
news of its next generation Pentium M processor.
Based on the 65-nanometer process technology, Intel is working on its
“Napa” platform, which will include a new dual-core mobile processor,
code-named “Yonah,” a new integrated graphics chipset codenamed “Calistoga,”
and next generation Intel wireless solution codenamed “Golan.”
But before Napa, Intel is expected to finally introduce its “Sonoma”
platform. After delays due to some quality issues with the “Alviso” chipset,
Anand Chandrasekher, Intel vice president general manager of its Mobile
Platforms Group, said that Intel would deliver its Sonoma platform in the
first quarter of 2005.
When it is released, Sonoma will include a new Intel Pentium M processor
with a faster, 533 MHz front-side bus, the Alviso chipset, and the newly
released Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG network connection software.
The technologies are key to the Santa Clara, Calif.-based company’s
vision of the mobile office worker. The company is
highlighting its prowess for wireless computing (ala Centrino-related
technologies) during its bi-annual Developers Forum here. The company is
hoping to capture both enterprise and home users with its new technologies.
Targeting the mobile office worker is a pretty safe bet considering 36
percent of the worldwide workforce is currently mobile, according to a June
2004 report from market analyst firm IDC. That number should nearly double
to 66 percent in 2006.
Centrino-branded products are winning the wireless sales war on the
merits of Intel’s marketing alone, although the chipmaking giant is not as
advanced in its WLAN technology as rivals Atheros and
Broadcom . Intel is distinct in that its environment is
mostly powered by Microsoft Windows.
Intel’s mobile vision is also driving progress in new technologies such
as WiMAX
wireless broadband networks especially in developing areas like China and
South America. Earlier this week, the company outlined its roadmap of
integrated processors for the smart handheld client space, including a new
chipset codenamed “Rosedale” for designing WiMAX subscriber stations and
residential gateways.
Intel is also helping the mobile worker with an aggressive goal of
establishing the eight-hour battery life by 2010.
“Let’s not forget that to be truly mobile, we have to focus on removing
plugs too, Chandrasekher, said. “The industry is already addressing some of
these challenges via the Mobile PC Extended Battery Life Working Group and
today’s release of ACPI specification v.3.0, but further industry
cooperation and work is needed.”
