Huawei Technologies has taken a step forward in phasing out American hardware and software from its personal computers, as it navigates ongoing US sanctions.
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The government-backed China Information Technology Security Evaluation Centre said on Friday that the Kirin X90 chip – a central processing unit (CPU) developed by Huawei’s chip design arm, HiSilicon – received a Level 2 national certification for security reliability.
The certification, which is voluntary, allows companies to assess the security levels of their domestically designed and produced computers, server CPUs and systems. It often serves as a precursor to adoption.
Huawei’s self-developed Kirin 9000C, used in its Qingyun W515x personal computer (PC) launched last May, as well as the Kirin 9006C featured in the Qingyun L540 laptop, both received certifications previously. The Qingyun computer series is designed for government and enterprise users.
The company’s efforts come as the US-sanctioned company seeks to replace American components in its PC business. In May, Washington revoked special licences that had allowed chip suppliers Qualcomm and Intel to sell older-generation semiconductors to Huawei for use in its laptops and smartphones.
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