According to a presentation from Navin Shenoy, Executive Vice President and General Manager for the Data Center Group at Intel, at the UBS Global Technology Conference, first 3D Xpoint Optane DIMMs are "on track" and will launch in the second half of next year. The same presentation shows that Intel is targeting big data analytics, in-memory databases, cloud and VMs, AI training and HPC workload scenarios with industry support from partners like Microsoft, Oracle, VMware, SAP, and Linux Foundation.

We have been hearing about Intel Optane DIMMs for quite some time, with the introduction of the 3D Xpoint memory back in July 2015 and the launch of the Optane brand at  IDF 2015 in August 2015. According to Intel, Optane is designed to bridge the gap between standard DRAM and NAND, offering best of both worlds, including the performance, low-latency and the ability to keep the data when it is powered off (persistence). 

While we have seen some implementation of the 3D Xpoint memory in forms of Optane 3D Xpoint Memory meant for caching, data-center oriented DC P4800X Optane SSD and consumer-oriented Optane SSD 900P, Optane DIMMs were nowhere to be seen.

In the meantime, Intel and Micron managed to ramp up the production of the 3D Xpoint memory and apparently resolve the supply and the earlier rumored endurance issues.

Intel will most likely reveal a bit more information at the CES 2018 show.