Elmer:
Only in Intel boosters minds is it profitable. It doesn't pay for any process development, unlike X86, AMD64 or Power. It doesn't pay for its development, unlike the others. Its doesn't pay for the equipment it is made on, unlike the others. It doesn't pay for the indirect labor charges, unlike the others. It doesn't pay for MG&A, unlike the others.
Sure it might be profitable, once you remove tons of expenses. But then a whole bunch of unprofitable products would too. Itanium's ROI is negative and it isn't getting any better.
To show just how unprofitable it is, think what if Intel couldn't make any x86 or AMD64 CPUs anymore (for some reason), would Itanium be able to support Intel all by itself? Anyone with any sense would yell, heck no!
And in a prolonged downturn, most companies would be getting rid of dead weights. Itanium is a likely target.
Pete
Pete
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