Intel Corp. is the world’s largest maker of central processing units (CPUs), core-logic sets, graphics adapters and is also a leading supplier of Wi-Fi controllers and some other chips. The company believes that in the coming years, as popularity of solid-state drives (SSDs) will continue to grow, it will also become the leading supplier of SSDs.

“We want to be a leader in SSDs. We want to bring SSDs out of the niche markets and into the mainstream,” said Tom Rampone, the general manager of Intel's NAND solutions group, reports EETimes.

At present Intel claims to be the top player in the U.S. retail SSD market and the second largest supplier worldwide. Intel and Micron form IM Technologies manufacturer of NAND flash memory and at present IM produces flash using the most advanced process technology possible. Intel believes that this is an indisputable advantage that will not only help to boost shipments of SSDs, but will also allow to make a profit.

“We do view NAND as a growth business. It is not strategically important to be the number (in terms of market share.) Our focus is on technology. Technology leadership is our focus,” added Mr. Rampone.

Analysts believe that solid-state drives will quickly replace hard disk drives (HDDs) in enterprise storage market thanks to improved performance, lower power consumption and lower complexity. As a result, SSD’s addressable market share will only get bigger, which is good for IM Flash, Intel and Micron.

Tags: Intel, SSD, Flash, Micron, IM Flash