Intel has announced its new line of processors Pentium II Xeon. Aimed at the mid-range and higher end of the PC market, they will be introduced midyear.

The new processors are designed for the workstation and server end of the market, in keeping with Intel's strategy of introducing separate processor brands for separate markets. The Pentium II Xeon features multiprocessing and larger and faster storage space, designed to deliver higher performance and scalability for business applications.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, employs 3,500 people at its manufacturing plant in Leixlip.

Meanwhile, Intel said on Wednesday that it saw business strengthening in Asia and that robust growth in China's personal computer market and Taiwan's advanced technology would boost the company's growth. Asia-Pacific general manager John Davies said in Taipei that Intel sales in 14 Asian countries, excluding Japan, would remain strong despite nearly a year of regional financial turmoil.