From CPU To XPU

We want to help customers capitalise growth opportunities in the Cloud, AI, 5G, as well as the intelligent and autonomous edge.

- Ken Wong

What does it mean to be an XPU company? What about the CPU and GPU, are they still in play?

Santhosh Our purpose at Intel is to create technology that enriches the lives of every person on earth. To do this, we want to help customers capitalise growth opportunities in the Cloud, AI, 5G, as well as the intelligent and autonomous edge.

Part of this involves redefining Intel’s position in the industry, which includes transitioning from CPU to XPU. In this case, XPU refers to the multiple architectures needed (i.e., CPU, GPU, programmable FPGAs and purpose-built ASICs) to be able to effectively address evolving workloads and compete for what we see as an expanded US$300 billion market opportunity by 2024.

What are Intel’s IDM2.0 ambitions? What does it mean to double down on engineering and innovation?

Santhosh In March, our CEO, Pat Gelsinger laid out Intel’s vision for the next evolution of Intel’s integrated device manufacturer (IDM) model. An integrated device manufacturer (IDM) is a semiconductor company which designs, manufactures, and sells integrated circuit (IC) products versus a fabless semiconductor company which outsources production to a 3rd party.

In support of IDM 2.0, we announced Intel Foundry Services, a fully vertical, standalone foundry business unit to serve customers globally. We also announced capacity expansion plans for two new fabs in Arizona which will serve as Intel’s first large-scale foundry operation with an approximate US$20 billion investment. We will also attract, retain, and motivate the best and brightest engineers in the industry. We’ve onboarded over 2,000 engineers so far this year and we expect to add several thousand more by the end of the year.