Publications
Publications
- March 1993 (Revised June 1994)
- HBS Case Collection
Intel Corporation: Going into OverDrive
Abstract
In May 1992, Intel Corp., the leading supplier of microprocessors for IBM-compatible personal computers, announced the retail availability of OverDrive processors, a new line of performance upgrades for the Intel 486 series of microprocessors. The case chronicles the evolution of Intel microprocessors and math coprocessors. Next, it describes the genesis of the "speed-doubling" technique that is employed in the OverDrive Processor and it details the important implementation issues. The central questions are the following: How does a firm manage a product line in the context of rapid technological change? What are the consequences--for the end users, and hence the system and component manufacturers--of rapid product change? How does product upgradability help mitigate some of these consequences? How should Intel develop the OverDrive business? And how will this affect the company's mainline microprocessor business?
Keywords
Change Management; Expansion; Product Marketing; Computer Industry; Semiconductor Industry; Retail Industry
Citation
Dhebar, Anirudh S. "Intel Corporation: Going into OverDrive." Harvard Business School Case 593-096, March 1993. (Revised June 1994.)