Semiconductor bellwethers Micron (MU) and Intel (INTC) are making waves today after MU revealed last night that it’s undergoing relevant changes to its portfolio strategy. At the center of the shift are 3D Xpoint memory products, which MU will cease producing in order to focus on new data center memory systems that make use of the Compute Express Link (CXL). INTC’s involvement in this news dates back to mid-2015 when the company and MU formed a partnership to develop 3D XPoint technology. The concept was to create a non-volatile memory offering that fills a gap in the storage market between DRAM and NAND flash. Utilizing a different architecture than traditional flash products, INTC and MU promoted 3D XPoint products. In 2017, INTC initiated its first product based on the technology under the Optane brand, while MU brought its version to market under the QuantX banner. Although the rivals worked together on the technology, the companies produced and branded their own 3D XPoint products. In 2017, INTC initiated its first product based on the technology under the Optane brand, while MU brought its version to market under the QuantX banner.MU’s decision to put development on hold may seem sudden and surprising. However, it makes sense after realizing that INTC discontinued its lineup of Optane SSDs for desktops back in January. This move almost entirely eradicated Optane’s position in the consumer market, leaving only one high-end SSD that’s targeted for laptops.