Is Optane Intel’s secret weapon?

Intel has announced availability of its first Optane storage solution (DC P4800x, 375GB) targeted at data centers and built with its revolutionary 3D CrossPoint memory technology. This first release of Optane is targeted at replacing existing NAND-based SSD products, but I expect a full range of Optane-powered memory products to be released in the coming quarters. Is this an indication that Intel wants to take over the memory business?

(Full disclosure: Intel is a client of mine.)