Intel CEO Andy Grove Tells Comdex Attendees The Microprocessor Revolution Is Still In Progress

Comdex Keynote Speech Explores the Past, Present and Future of the Microprocessor and the Computing Industry

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Nov. 18, 1996 -- For the last quarter century, the microprocessor, the 'brain' of the personal computer, has had a significant impact on the world and helped create the information age. On the 25th anniversary of the microprocessor, Dr. Andrew S. Grove, president and chief executive officer of Intel Corporation, the world's largest producer of microprocessors, predicts the best of the microprocessor revolution is yet to come.

During his keynote presentation before several thousand computer industry leaders at this year's Comdex/Fall 96, Dr. Grove explores wide-ranging changes that the personal computer will undergo in the next 15 years. Dr. Grove takes a brief retrospective look at the pioneers who started the microprocessor revolution and explores how personal computers are impacting today's mainstream culture.

"The revolution, started twenty five years ago with a small sliver of silicon known as the microprocessor, has had a phenomenal impact on changing the way people work, communicate and obtain information," says Dr. Grove. "I believe that we are only at the beginning of this revolution in progress, and the best in personal computing is yet to come."

The Pioneering SpiritDr. Grove highlighted the contributions of many pioneers of the microprocessor industry, including Robert Noyce, Gordon Moore, Ted Hoff, Federico Faggin, Les Vadasz, and many others in video interviews. Adding personal perspectives and anecdotes, Dr. Grove recalls the spirit of these creative people and the trials and tribulations of developing the microprocessor over the past quarter-century.

The Microprocessor at Age 40
During his keynote talk, Dr. Grove predicts continued improvements in the performance of the microprocessor for the next 15 years. The first Intel microprocessor, the Intel 4004 processor, contained 2300 transistors when it was introduced in 1971. Today, the Intel Pentium™ processor contains 3.2 million transistors and the Intel Pentium™ Pro processor contains 5.5 million transistors.

Dr. Grove predicts that the microprocessor in the year 2011 could have as many as 1 billion transistors -- 435,000 times more than the original Intel 4004 chip that sparked the microprocessor revolution.

Dr. Grove also predicts a dramatic increase in microprocessor computation speeds for the next 15 years. Today's microprocessor frequency of 200 million instructions per second is expected to increase over the next 15 years to 100 thousand million instructions per second -- 500 times the transactions of today's Intel Pentium processor.

Personal Computers at the Turn of the Century
Improvements in the microprocessor are expected to introduce many new capabilities to the personal computer. Outlining the evolution from today's connected PC, Dr. Grove calls for the PC to exceed consumer expectations for a rich visual experience. "As a result of industry efforts in multimedia, today's high performance personal computer delivers broadcast quality video." explains Dr. Grove. "In the next step of evolution, we expect the PC to deliver users lifelike, real-world experiences."

Coffee, Culture, Community and ... Computers During the keynote presentation, Starbucks Coffee Company representatives join Dr. Grove onstage to discuss how the microprocessor and personal computer have become part of everyday life. Starbucks Coffee -- who is also celebrating its 25th anniversary -- offers a unique blend of coffee, culture and community in stores across the North America. Dr. Grove uses a conceptual prototype Starbucks' store to demonstrate the intersection of community and technology. The Starbucks prototype incorporates PCs with videoconferencing using Intel's Proshare™ technology and Internet access for use by Starbucks' customers and employee 'partners'.

Dr. Grove concludes that the evolution of the microprocessor and the personal computer is a revolution in progress. "To move on to another 25 years that are as productive, exciting and rewarding as the first 25, we must redefine our business," urges Dr. Grove, "We must look at it as more than just building and selling PCs -- but as delivering information and interactive experiences."

An Internet broadcast of Dr. Grove's keynote address along with more information about Intel's activities at Comdex and the 25th Anniversary of the Microprocessor celebration is available on Intel's web site at www.intel.com.

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