Intel to push supercomputer chips

By Kim Yoo-chul

Lee Hee-sung Intel Korea CEO

U.S.-based chip giant Intel is accelerating its efforts to diversify its business portfolios by developing data-intensive solutions such as high-speed computer chips, a company executive said Thursday.

“Intel has been consistent in increasing its investment in all supercomputer-related areas such as processors, co-processors and software. The usage of supercomputers is expanding,” said Intel Korea CEO Lee Hee-sung during a news conference in Yeouido, northern Seoul.

The main difference between existing PCs and supercomputers are the number of processor cores, which handle complicated computing tasks.

Amid the declining demand for conventional PCs, Intel has its sights set on expanding its business territory into processors and other data-handling chips. Supercomputers are one of its priorities.

Supercomputers are commonly being used for various tasks that include mapping the human genome, developing cures for diseases, increasing the accuracy of weather predictions and realizing delicate graphic effects.

Lee said the global supercomputer market will grow from $11 billion this year to $15 billion by 2015.

“In Korea, Intel is collaborating with public and private firms to grow the supercomputer market. We are helping local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) boost related technologies by running the so-called ‘cluster ready’ program,” Lee said.

He identified the computer graphic industry as one of the next growth engines in Korea.

In line with these business strategies, the semiconductor giant teamed up with LG N-Sys, the nation’s top IT solution provider, and Dexter Digital to jointly develop a three dimensional (3D) movie titled “Mr. Go.”

The movie is Asia’s first to feature the main character created by 3D technologies.

The film, which will be unveiled to the public on July 17, could be the Asian version of “Avatar,” filmmakers say.

The LG Group affiliate was providing advanced rendering tech, while Intel’s supercomputer technology was also used to guarantee smoother and faster viewing experience.

These business diversification strategies are paying off for Intel. The firm recently struck a deal with Samsung Electronics to use its processors to Samsung’s latest tablet models.

“We hope our supercomputer chips help local SMEs and related industries find new rising momentum,” Lee said.