A Chip By Any Other Name

A name isn’t just a name among makers of microprocessors. It’s a strategic marketing opportunity.

That’s why Intel Corp.’s marketing teams will carefully ponder the name of the company’s newest chip, code-named P6 and unveiled last week.

And, contrary to jokes on the Internet, the company isn’t going to follow up its flagship, fifthgeneration Pentium chip by calling the P6 a “Sexium.”

In contrast to earlier models, such as the 486, Intel avoided using a number to name its last chip so it could own the trademark name and prevent copycats from using it. The Pentium was named as a result of a contest among employees.