PC is key engine for innovation, growth: Intel India's Kumud Srinivasan

In the PC era, Intel ruled, but there's a perception it has been left behind in the era of mobile devices. Kumud Srinivasan, President, Intel India, admits the need to work with greater velocity in this conversation with Business Today. Excerpts:

BT: Intel dominates the PC and laptop markets, and both are shrinking. What is Intel's strategy to grow in a post-PC era?

Srinivasan: The PC market is challenging, rather than shrinking. There is reason to be confident in growth prospects with the launch of Windows 10, as well as our 6th Generation Core ('Skylake'). Our overall strategy is to build on core assets like the PC and move into new, adjacent markets such as the Internet of Things (IoT), all the while continuing our leadership through the power of Moore's Law.

BT: Considering that Intel might be running up against the limitations of Moore's Law (which states that processor speed doubles every two years while costs halve), how do you intend to address this technology challenge?

Srinivasan: We have recently reached product qualification for our next generation, 6th Generation Intel Core, to be launched this year, and we expect to ship a third 14-nanometer product, Kaby Lake, in the second half of 2016. This development gives a two-and-a-half year cadence for our process technology, which marks a continuation of Moore's Law.

BT: Was the perception that Intel didn't move fast enough in mobile devices because the leadership thought the PC era would dominate forever?

Srinivasan: Our priority this year with regard to mobile has been to continue our momentum and improve our profitability. Our overall strategy is 'if a device computes and connects, it does best with Intel'. We have demonstrated strong progress in mobile and real momentum in data center, IoT and wearables, and memory.

BT: What do you think is the future of computing?

Srinivasan: The era of wearables and IoT is ushering in application of exciting new technologies - from voice and gestures to use of video and media, predictive analytics and security. Ultimately the paradigm of today - how many devices per person - will become irrelevant, as devices - ingestible and injectable - become thoroughly integrated into our lifestyle and environment. The rapid pace of innovation we've seen in IT will continue to usher in the Era of Integration; a time when technology and computational power will no longer be an adjunct to our daily lives, but an integral, immersive and all-encompassing part.

BT: Intel bet hugely on the ultrabook revolution, but it has not paid the kind of dividends it was expected to. So, what is next on that front?

Srinivasan: Our commitment to PC innovation continues with new form factors like 2-in-1s, convertibles and detachables, and ultra-thin notebooks in the mobile space, and gaming systems, mini desktops, all-in-ones and portable all-in-ones in desktops. Even as the benefits of the digital revolution expand beyond the PC, the PC retains its role as the key engine for innovation and growth.