Based on yesterday’s statements by Intel management, we can conclude that the company’s ambitions in the production of components for computational accelerators in artificial intelligence systems are being realized through a deal with Amazon, which is designed for many years of cooperation and the use of Intel’s advanced lithography.
Image Source: Intel
More specifically, Intel’s contract division, which will gain more independence during the upcoming reforms, will begin producing chips for AWS using Intel 18A technology, which is now cutting-edge not only for the company’s product range, but also for the whole world – according to Intel itself, of course. The contract with Amazon involves implementation over several years, its amount is also measured at several billion US dollars. In addition to the funds received from AWS, Intel will invest its own money in this initiative.
Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger commented on the AWS contract as follows: “This is a very important announcement. This is a very astute client with very sophisticated development capabilities.” Amazon previously received Xeon central processing units from Intel, whose specifications were tailored to its needs, but in recent years has focused on creating its own accelerators. It is these that Intel will produce for AWS using 18A technology at a facility in Ohio that is yet to be built. As noted the day before, Intel, given limited financial resources, will focus on building enterprises in the United States, freezing projects in Germany, Poland and Malaysia. This is largely due to the requirements of the American government to provide targeted subsidies. By the way, Gelsinger noted that Intel will continue to supply Amazon with Xeon processors.