primarily due to this shift in market demand toward the company's more advanced microprocessors (Intel Corporation, 1997).
Intel's business activities are covered by two standard industry classification (SIC) codes. The first is SIC 3674 (Semiconductors And Related Devices), while the second is SIC 3577 (Computer Peripheral Equipment, Not Elsewhere Classified). Intel introduced the world's first commercial microprocessor, the 4004, in 1971. The microprocessor's invention revolutionized computing and changed forever the way people work, learn and communicate. The company' Pentium Pro processors are at the core of the growing PC (personal computer) server market segment in the contemporary period. In a new series of scaleable servers, several Pentium Pro chips are combined, providing power to connect desktop systems or run large applications more effectively than can b accomplished using traditional single-chip servers. This capability is moving the Intel architecture up into the mid-range market segment for servers and workstations, competing with traditionally more expensive, proprietary systems (Intel Corporation, 1997).
Seven topic areas are addressed in the industry and competitive analysis. These areas are industry definition and history, dominant economic characteristics, driving forces, competition analysis based on the five-forces model, specific competitor analysis, key success factors, and industry prospects and overall attractiveness.
SIC 3674 covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing semiconductors and related solid-state devices. Important products of this industry are semiconductor diodes and stacks, including rectifiers, integrated microcircuits (semiconductor networks), transistors, solar cells, and light sensing and emitting semiconductor (solid-state) devices. SIC 3577 covers establishments engaged in the manufacture of computer peripheral equipment.
While the computer and peripheral...