Intel, Apple work on key technologies

Intel is working with Apple on several key technologies and the companies are enjoying the fruits of their recent partnership, according to an Intel senior executive. In an interview with InformationWeek, the exec said that Intel's relationship is growing and that the companies are engaged in several on-going projects, causing some concern for Microsoft -- Intel's long-time partner. Responding to a question about the future of the Apple-Intel partnership, Pat Gelsinger, senior VP and general manager of the Digital Enterprise Group at Intel, said the companies are continuing to move forward on several fronts, including several "secretive" projects.

"It's far from done. Let's take it in phases. First was the honeymoon, where we won Apple as a customer," the exec told the publication. "The second phase was execution and getting products done and, third, we just finished that. The MacBook Pro was the last product. We just finished the birthing. We've just gotten that done, but a number of projects are under way with Apple on next-generation technologies -- but I can't detail those. Apple is very secretive, even to us. It's the nature of the company."

Gelsinger, however, admitted that the growing Apple-Intel partnership was a cause for concern for Microsoft, one of its key strategic partners, but that Intel was working closely with the software-giant in many ways.

"Well, certainly, of course [it is a cause for concern]. They look at it that way. But our response [to Microsoft] is that we have a customer that wants to use our silicon. Of course we support them. At the same time, I'd say our Microsoft relationship is as good if not better than it has been in our 20-year history."

Both companies stand to benefit from a strong PC industry, he said.

"We both see that we might have border quibbles on a particular issue, but if the PC industry is not good for [Microsoft], then it's not good for us. That shared challenge and opportunity [for Intel and Microsoft] is significant. We have a mutual view of the business market [and grapple with issues like] what does it take to address security and management?"

Filed under: Apple