InternetIDC: Chip Sales Grow, Prices Go Low
Cost-cutting was the only way to keep products flowing during the slowest quarter of the year.
Even in the face of a traditionally soft quarter and an economic downturn in the United States, semiconductor sales rose to record levels in the second quarter (Q2) of 2008 according to figures from IDC. Worldwide, unit shipments for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, grew 3.1 percent over the prior quarter and 16.1 percent over the same period last year. Both stats are remarkable, as the second quarter is traditionally considered the weakest time of the year, so to rise versus the first quarter is an accomplishment. To have a double-digit increase despite the sputtering U.S. economy is also notable. IDC semiconductors analyst Shane Rau attributes the rise to Intel not sitting on its laurels. "Intel had record shipments in Q2," he told InternetNews.com. "Their shipments actually went up,” Rau said. “They are driving their new platforms heavily and want to keep their momentum going by introducing new products at new prices." To get those sales, however, means massive price cuts. Revenue from x86 processors decreased 4.5 percent in the space of one quarter, from $8.0 billion in Q1 to $7.7 billion for the second quarter, echoing what Gartner (NYSE: IT) also said, that to maintain sales, vendors are cutting prices significantly to make the sale. RELATED ARTICLES Gartner: iPhone 'Acceptable' in the Enterprise Gartner: Global PC Market Grew in Q2 Chip Sales Continue to Grow, Albeit Slowly Intel Shows Off New Centrino Notebook Chips Scrutiny for iPhone's Infineon... [ Read more on www.internetnews.com ]
InternetPalm Treo Pro Details Leaked on Web Site (NewsFactor)
NewsFactor - Yet another vendor has fallen prey to "premature launch syndrome." Yesterday someone at Palm uploaded a text and visual presentation of the Treo Pro to the Palm Web site, and it didn't escape notice. Even though the presentation was pulled just minutes later, pictures and text were dutifully scooped up by bloggers and passed throughout the Net.
InternetPat Gelsinger: Intel's Technology Shepherd
The senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group is not only one of Intel's most influential engineers, he preaches what he practices.