Intel refuses AMD's challenge

AMD yesterday challenged Intel to a dual-core server processor duel but Intel has rejected the offer. That was to be expected as currently Intel is lacking a bit behind the performance of AMD's dual-core processors. AMD's timing is perfect but I believe this is just a lousy way of doing business.

"I saw the ad this morning over my coffee," said Intel's CEO Paul Otellini, during a question and answer session here at the Intel Developer Forum conference. "I have always thought that companies and products are best judged in the marketplace, and I will leave it at that."

A brave French journalist dared to ask why Intel was so far behind and what's wrong with Itanium and he got a very polite response:

When asked why Intel was so far behind AMD with a dual-core server chip and "what's wrong with Itanium" by an accented reporter, Otellini responded, "You're obviously from France." The cheap shot triggered a wave of laughter from Intel's staff and other reporters.

After everybody stopped laughing Otellini got around the question by saying Intel took a leadership position with mobile processors in 2003.

And as to why Itanic wasn't mentioned during Otellini's morning keynote?

"In terms of Itanium, it was time budget," Otellini said. "I was given 59 minutes, and I hit 59 minutes."

However, by 2007 and 2008 the chip giant will give AMD a hard time with its next-generation processors. More info at The Register