PC Week: IBM to battle Intel on networking chip front

"Intel Corp., which announced its Internet Exchange Architecture road map yesterday, won't be the only heavyweight in the embeddable communications processor ring."

"IBM this morning formally announced plans to build similar processors..."

"IBM is going Intel one better, however, by also introducing a switched fabric to connect the processors in a way that will enable network device makers to build bigger, faster switches and routers, IBM officials said.

"The products include a new family of processors that will take the place of ASICs in routers, hubs and switches. Unlike an ASIC, which has to be redesigned for each new device, a programmable processor can be enhanced through changes in software."

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