Intel Corporation is one of the most iconic and innovative companies in the technology sector, playing a crucial role in the evolution of modern computers and electronic devices.
Founded in 1968, Intel revolutionized the industry with the invention of the microprocessor, a key component for the operation of virtually all electronic devices we use today. With a rich history of innovations, from the launch of the first microprocessor to the development of advanced artificial intelligence and cloud computing technologies, Intel continues to shape the future of technology.
In this text, we will explore some fascinating facts about Intel, revealing how its innovations have helped transform the digital world and how the company continues to lead the way in a constantly evolving sector.
1 – AN INNOVATIVE VISION
Intel was officially established on July 18, 1968, an event that preceded the first manned moon landing. Its founders, Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, started the company with an innovative vision.
In 2018, Intel celebrated half a century of existence and is about to complete 54 years. Despite being founded in 1968, Intel’s first product only appeared the following year, in 1969: a RAM integrated circuit. From its inception, Intel demonstrated promising potential, solidifying its position as a leader in the technology sector.
2 – THE INTEL MUSEUM
Intel’s original headquarters was built in Santa Clara, California, where today the renowned Intel Museum is located.
The museum provides a detailed view of the evolution of the company’s products and the development of Intel over the years, highlighting how it became a benchmark in the technology sector. In addition to historical exhibits, the museum offers interactive activities for children, encouraging an early interest in technology.
Visitors can also explore a comprehensive timeline, from the launch of the first 4004 microprocessor to the most recent models.
3 – NAME CHANGE
As is common with many companies, especially those with a long history, Intel also underwent a name change. Initially, in 1968, Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore founded the company under the name “NM Electronics”, honoring the initials of their surnames. However, shortly after, the company adopted the name Intel, an abbreviation of “Integrated Electronics”.
To do this, they had to acquire the rights to the name from an existing company called Intelco.
4 – INTEL WANTED TO LAUNCH A “SMART WATCH” IN THE 70S
In 1970, a year before the launch of the Intel 4004, the company decided to explore the watch market and acquired the small company Microma Universal. With this acquisition, Intel, as reported by its founder Gordon Moore, launched the first LCD screen watch on the market, with the expectation of paving the way for future smartwatches.
Moore believed that over time, the watch could offer a variety of functions. However, these plans did not come to fruition as the technology of the time did not allow the chips to be small enough to fit into a watch.
Gordon Moore used his Microma watch for several years and referred to it as “my US$15 million watch”, as a reminder of how much the company lost from that attempt.
5 – CEOs HAVING RELATIONSHIPS WITH EMPLOYEES
In 2018, the case involving Brian Krzanich gained attention when Intel decided to remove the CEO due to findings that he was involved with an employee of the company. Although the relationship was consensual, Krzanich violated the company’s no-fraternization policy.
It is worth noting that this policy was only implemented in 2011, as prior to that, other Intel CEOs had faced similar situations. Over its more than 50 years, at least six Intel CEOs had relationships with employees, all occurring before the introduction of the policy. Among them were Andy Grove, CEO in the 1980s; Paul Otellini, who took the position in 2005; and one of Intel’s founders, Robert Noyce. Several of these relationships resulted in marriages.
Paul Otellini met his second wife, Sandra, while she was working as a lawyer at Intel and the policy was established during his tenure as CEO.
Robert Noyce married an HR employee at the company at that time.
6 – THE INTEL 4004
The Intel 4004 was released in November 1971 and marked a turning point in chip development, representing the beginning of a new era. However, the pioneering processor was initially intended not for computers, but for a calculator.
With the ability to perform up to 1,200 calculations per second, the Intel 4004 was first used commercially in the Busicom 141-PF calculator, produced by a Japanese company that had ordered the chip. Busicom held exclusive rights to the use of the Intel 4004, but Intel eventually acquired those rights and later began offering the chip to other companies.
7 – COMPANY ATTIRE
When Intel was founded, the company faced challenges with employee attire, which compromised the cleanliness of the environment.
Despite the rooms being meticulously cleaned, the dirt brought in by employees’ clothing prevented the environment from being completely sterile.
In 1971, the company began adopting aprons, but this solution was still not effective, as employees washed them in the conventional manner, which did not entirely remove particles that could affect microchip production.
It was then that the so-called Bunny Suits emerged—full-body coveralls with head and body protection designed to maintain environmental sterility. These suits became quite well-known, and indeed, many people made a point of visiting Fab 3, where Bunny Suits were used, just to experience these iconic outfits.
8 – THE SILICON INTEGRATED CIRCUIT
One of the key factors that ensured a good initial investment for Intel was undoubtedly the experience and reputation of its founders. In particular, Robert Noyce, who, before founding Intel, was the general manager at Fairchild Semiconductor, where he invented the silicon integrated circuit.
This notoriety attracted the attention of investors from the start.
An example is Arthur Rock, an American financier who invested US$2.5 million in Intel when the company was established.
9 – SEVERAL LAYOFFS
Unfortunately, layoffs have become a common practice at Intel. Between 2006 and 2008, the company dismissed approximately 10,500 employees, which represented nearly 10% of its global workforce.
Currently, Intel has around 100,000 employees. Since that period, layoffs have occurred almost annually, varying in scale from one instance to another, with some being more significant than others.
10 – MOORE’S LAW
Gordon Earle Moore is the creator of the famous Moore’s Law, a concept still widely cited by processor manufacturers. Moore predicted that, every 18 months, the number of transistors in a given space would double while manufacturing costs would remain constant. Initially, this prediction was not taken too seriously, but today, component manufacturers such as RAM, graphics card, and processor makers use this law to guide their production strategies.
They continually invest in research and development to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation. This explains why new processors are released with ever-smaller lithographies, resulting in lower heat dissipation, reduced power consumption, and increased stability and performance.
Intel, with its history of innovations and technological advancements, remains a crucial force in the technology sector.
Since its founding, the company has been distinguished not only for its microprocessor innovations but also for its significant impact on various fields such as computing, artificial intelligence, and data center solutions. Intel has been a cornerstone in the evolution of personal and enterprise computing, contributing to the development of technologies that shape the digital future.
Its products and discoveries not only set performance benchmarks but also drive new possibilities and applications, solidifying its position as a global technology leader.
As Intel continues to explore new frontiers, its rich history and commitment to innovation stand as a testament to its crucial role in the digital transformation of the modern world.