Intel, the semiconductor giant, has joined forces with ASUS, a leading technology solution provider, to bolster the Next Unit of Compute (NUC) product line – targeting mini PCs.
Gartner’s latest report on the global PC business says ASUS has shipped more than 3.88 million PCs during the second quarter of 2023 grabbing 6.5 percent share. ASUS is in the sixth position in the global PC market.
Intel said the agreement will see ASUS taking on the manufacturing, sales, and support of the 10th to 13th generations of NUC systems, while also collaborating on the development of future NUC designs.
As part of the deal, ASUS will receive a non-exclusive license to utilize Intel’s NUC systems product line designs. This license empowers ASUS to manufacture, market, and sell the existing 10th to 13th Gen NUC systems products, as well as venture into creating new and innovative designs for future NUC systems. The move aims to ensure product and support continuity for existing Intel NUC systems customers. To facilitate this transition, ASUS will create a dedicated business unit named ASUS NUC BU, wholly dedicated to advancing the NUC systems product line.
The collaboration is viewed as a strategic move for both companies, as Joe Hsieh, Chief Operating Officer of ASUS, explained, “This collaboration will enhance and accelerate our vision for the mini PC – expanding our footprint in areas such as AI and AIoT.” Mini PCs have been gaining traction in recent years due to their compact size and versatile applications in various industries, including artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT).
In light of this partnership, Intel is reorienting its strategy by leveraging ecosystem partners to drive innovation and growth in the NUC systems product line. ASUS, with its proven expertise and track record in delivering mini PCs to customers, was deemed an ideal candidate to continue propelling innovation and expansion in the NUC systems product category.
Sam Gao, Vice President and General Manager of Intel Client Platform Solutions, expressed the company’s commitment to a seamless transition for customers and partners: “Our NUC systems product team delivered unique products that spurred innovation in the ultra-small form factor market. As we pivot our strategy to enable ecosystem partners to continue NUC systems product innovation and growth, our priority is to ensure a smooth transition for our customers and partners.”
The joint efforts of Intel and ASUS are expected to invigorate the NUC systems market and open new opportunities for technological advancement. With a shared vision for the future of computing, both companies are well-positioned to shape the landscape of mini PCs and their applications across industries. As the collaboration progresses, tech enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the innovative NUC designs that will emerge from this powerful alliance.
