Intel, Unisys Form a Partnership to Develop Powerful New Computers

Intel Corp. and Unisys Corp. said Tuesday that they would work together to build powerful business computers that run by linking the microprocessor chips found in most desktop machines.

The “parallel-processing” computers they plan should hit the market in 1995 and are not yet priced. They will be based on Intel’s latest microprocessor, called Pentium.

Parallel-processing systems link from 16 to several thousand microprocessors to perform tasks. Parts of a complex tasks can be farmed out to multiple chips for a faster response.

The technology will allow users to increase computing power by adding to small, relatively inexpensive systems instead of spending millions of dollars at the outset for a mainframe computer, the companies said.

“The key here is the scalability. You’re able to add more processors over time as power needs grow,” said Bob O’Leary, a Unisys spokesman in Blue Bell, Pa.

Unisys plans to develop new multimedia software--which combines audio, video and text--and document managing software for parallel-processing computers.

While best known as the producer of the chips that run about 85% of all personal computers, Santa Clara-based Intel is also the largest developer of supercomputers based on parallel processing.

Its nearly 400 systems worldwide have largely been sold to scientific institutions and universities, however. The venture with Unisys will let Intel broaden its scope to corporate customers without taking on some of the additional costs, such as a different sales force.