I think an important point here that should not go unemphasized was
the unsolicited effort by intel to help. This is one of those things
that shows how far Linux has come. The hardware giant actually cared
about Linux enough to offer some help, albeit hobbled by an NDA due to
their historical method of doing business. It wasn't from the
generosity of the CEO that this caring came (well, maybe it was - at
heart Andy Grove is an engineer, and recognizes damn good engineering
and the hard work that goes into it, such as Linux embodies), but a
recognition that Linux is actually used on intel hardware by a whole
lot of people - and it is *important*.
Hmmm ... "Lintel. World domination. Real Soon Now."