X-bit labs

Intel Records “VIIV” Brand-Names, Causing Intrigue.

Category: CPU

by Anton Shilov

[ 01/27/2005 | 05:23 AM ]

Intel Corp., world’s largest maker of microprocessors, recently applied for its new trademarks that various observers called mysterious – Intel Inside VIIV and Intel VIIV. No one truly knows what the mystifying letters VIIV mean and different versions mean very dissimilar things: from 64-bit computing to dual-core CPU designs or even platfoms with certain technologies implemented. 

“Intel Inside VIIV” and “Intel VIIV” were registered late last year by Intel’s attorney Cynthia R. Adwere. The meaning of the letters/numbers is unclear and Intel Corp.’s official spokesperson decline to comment on the matter.

“I think whoever it was flunked Roman numerals in grade school. When your name is Insight 64, you’re looking for 64 all over the place. Still, the proper representation of 64 is LXIV,” Nathan Brookwood, the head of technology consulting firm Insight 64, told Reuters news-agency.

“I’m thinking of it as far as a dual-core, V-V,” said Charlie Glavin, an analyst with Needham & Co..

It is unclear whether VIIV actually refers a microprocessor, a platform or a technology, such as virtualization. Recently Intel Corp. said it focused its efforts around platforms, bringing out a set of accessories, including a central processing unit, supporting logic, networking components along with any other additional devices or capabilities. Given that Intel promotes a platform rather than a particular technology within one of its components, VIIV may be used to mark computers featuring a set of technologies, such as virtualization, dual-core 64-bit central processing unit, advanced network controller and other peculiarities.

Currently it is unknown which market segments – desktop, mobile or server – will face the VIIV branding.