As revealed here last February, Intel is set to start developing 12-inch wafer technology. (Story: Intel outlines 12-inch future) Initially, the chip giant will roll out the technology at its research fab in Oregon next year, but it says it is committed to moving the 12-inch technology to other fabs over time. The benefit of producing 12-inch silicon wafers is that the company will, in theory, be able to produce more chips than the current eight inch technology. Although the initial capital expense is high, the cost of producing chips on 12-inch silicon wafers will drop by a third. The initial investment in Oregon will cost over a billion dollars. ® See also Intel Developer Forum Feb 99 Extensive coverage of Intel's plans plus a tour round its Albuquerque fab.