X-bit labs

The Strong Dedication to the Quality: Interview with John Byrne of AMD Graphics Product Group

Category: Editorial

by Anton Shilov

[ 03/24/2007 | 04:18 PM ]

The merge between Advanced Micro Devices and ATI Technologies has indisputably changed the world of computer hardware in several ways. Let’s find out more details about AMD’s strategy, business and intentions in the graphics processors’ business from the man who is behind sales of graphics cards to the end-users.

Table of contents:

• AMD’s GPU Strategy
  
• AMD’s GPU Business
  
• AMD’s Future Graphics Products
  

X-bit labs: Hello, can you introduce yourself to our readers?

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John Byrne: My name is John Byrne. I am AMD’s vice-president of worldwide GPU and Chipset Channel Sales

X-bit labs: How long have you been in the graphics industry?

John Byrne: I have been in the high-tech industry for the past two decades and in the graphics industry since 1998.

X-bit labs: Since we are talking about a relatively new position at AMD, can you describe what exactly do you do and how is the whole GPU channel sales division is organized?

John Byrne: I will partner with P.Y. Ferrard to improve our WW channel strategy, whilst helping our partners grow their businesses and improve their overall margins.

I will also support the worldwide OEM PC sales teams, by helping to coordinate the design-in activity between the sales teams and business unit leaders.

AMD’s GPU Strategy

X-bit labs: Now that ATI is a part of AMD, do you expect any changes in ATI’s go-to-market strategies?

John Byrne: After leading the performance market for so many years, it is good to see that we now have such a well-balanced product line. Coupled with our incredible dedication to WHQL-certified drivers for both Windows XP and Windows Vista, I find it very encouraging to see such strength and balance across ATI’s low to mid-range parts.

While the media regularly become fixated on uber-performance parts like the ATI Radeon X1950 XTX or GeForce 8800 GTX from Nvidia, the vast majority of graphics products sold are priced at less than €150 – and our offer here is very strong.