Notebook, PC Sales Drive Strong Q3 For Intel

"We were very pleased with the momentum in our notebook and PC business and consumer demand for our industry-leading and second-generation Intel core processor family," Otellini said during the Intel’s earnings call. "Relative to third quarter of last year, our notebook business saw double-digit unit growth, leading to record microprocessor unit volume and revenue.

"We also saw continued strength in the data center fueled by the ongoing growth of mobile and cloud computing," Otellini said.

Intel reported revenue for the quarter of $14.2 billion, up 28 percent from $11.1 billion in revenue from the same period last year. Earnings rose to $3.47 billion, from $2.96 billion a year earlier.

The chip-maker saw the highest volume of microprocessor units shipped in its history, and reported an earnings per share of 65 cents, marking a 25 percent year-over-year growth from last year’s 52 cents, the company said.

In addition to PC and notebook sales, Otellini defined datacenter innovations and the new Sandy Bridge (code named "Romley") architectural developments as "key sources of growth."

He also cited newly-acquired McAfee and Intel Mobile Communications as contributing revenue of $1.1 billion. Data Center Group revenue reached $2.5 billion, up 15 percent year-over-year.

Todd Swank, Intel partner and VP of marketing at Nor-Tech, a systems integrator based in Bursnville, Minn., told CRN that Intel’s third quarter mirrors recent growth within the Intel channel.

"Our business has been pretty strong in Q3, and Q4 is looking well. I think this certainly bodes well for the channel," Swank said. "Intel’s notebook sales were strong, which was a bit of surprise to me. In our traditional client business, we see customers making a shift to mobile smartphones and tables, but servers and high-computing solutions are still seeing great growth."

While excited about its all-time-high quarterly revenue, Intel’s focus is aimed toward its product pipeline for Q4 and 2012. The release of its UltraBooks -- which are expected to boast super-thin frames and an extended battery life -- along with volume production for the new 22-nanometer Ivy Bridge chips are, specifically, at the forefront of Intel’s mind, according to Otellini.

"We are very pleased with the results and accomplishments of this record-setting quarter and year to date," Otellini concluded in the earnings call. "We remain very confident in our growth strategy and are excited about our new product pipeline."