Went to the Intel Developer Forum yesterday as per an invitation from Intel Capital. First of all, I need to point out that throughout the day speakers referred to IDF, and it took me awhile until I realized it was not the Israel Defense Forces that was topic of the day...but the other IDF, the Intel Developer Forum.
But there is an incredible connection between the 2 IDFs. Both are world class. Both are dominant in their areas, yet rightfully feel they need to keep innovating. And of course, both have Hebrew speaking leadership (several senior VPs in Intel are Israeli natives) and strong U.S./Israel connections and development.
As some of you may know, Intel's first presence outside America was with the establishment Of its fab in Jerusalem in the late 80s. Since then Intel has invested billions of dollars in Israel based research as well as production, employing thousands of people.
Today we heard about the Merom chip, the Kedron chip, and more. All Hebrew code names. The centrino was originally called Banias (after a beautiful spot in the North of Israel).
OK, OK, but why? Easy. All the recent developments at INTEL are all about communication and networking. And we know how much Israelis love to talk. To as many people as possible, sometimes all at the same time. Just look at my teenage daughter, who can operate several IM (Instant Messenger) applications with multiple sessions, while texting with her cellphone, talking on the house phone, watching a movie and doing her homework.
And networking -- physically we still are cut off, so the ability to network, so that we can completely place shift and be anywhere in the world, is of major interest to Israelis.
May all these networks and communications advances make it even a little bit easier to help repair the world.
And may both IDFs only serve to promote good in the world.
In peace,
Jacob
Interesting post. But it raises up a thought in my head: Considering the similarities that you're pointing out, will the Israeli government consider sometime in the future a 3 years mandatory service at Intel (or any other hi tech company for that matter), as a possible substitute to the IDF service?
Posted by: Guy | October 31, 2006 at 08:26 PM