In a notable display of collaboration, Intel and AMD have united to establish an x86 advisory group, a strategic move aimed at fortifying their shared platform against the escalating competition posed by ARM. This initiative has garnered the support of prominent tech leaders, including Microsoft, Google, Meta, Lenovo, Dell, Red Hat, and HP, alongside influential figures such as Tim Sweeney from Epic Games and Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux.
Rallying the industry to innovate
The newly formed advisory group boasts an impressive assembly of industry leaders, all committed to enhancing the x86 architecture. Their primary objective is to create a more cohesive platform by streamlining architectural guidelines and developing standardized interfaces. By doing so, they aim to provide developers with greater predictability, ignite innovation, and improve the integration of new capabilities across various software frameworks and operating systems.
As Windows on ARM gains momentum, Intel and AMD are resolute in their mission to maintain x86’s status as a dominant player in the computing landscape. ARM’s lightweight and versatile design has made it increasingly popular, not just in mobile devices but also within the data centers of major tech companies, presenting a challenge that x86 must address.
Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel, remarked on the significance of this partnership, noting that the industry stands on the brink of transformative changes concerning the x86 architecture and ecosystem. He emphasized that these changes will be driven by new levels of scalability, customization, and compatibility, tailored to meet the evolving needs of computer users globally. Gelsinger expressed pride in standing alongside AMD and the advisory group’s founding members, highlighting the invaluable support from various thought leaders across the technology sector.
Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the establishment of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group will ensure the architecture continues to evolve as the preferred choice for software developers and customers alike. She confidently stated that this collaborative effort will secure the x86 platform’s success for decades to come.
Aiming for compatibility and consistency
By pooling their expertise, Intel and AMD are determined to counter the rising influence of ARM, ensuring that x86 remains relevant across diverse sectors, including cloud computing, data centers, edge devices, and embedded systems. Their strategy involves creating unified architectural interfaces, simplifying the development process for consistent applications across all x86-based platforms. This collaborative endeavor promises to enhance customer choice and improve hardware-software compatibility, ultimately enabling users to leverage cutting-edge features with greater ease.
The advisory group will actively engage with the x86 development community, gathering insights to ensure that future enhancements align with the needs of both developers and customers. This initiative reflects a longstanding history of collaboration between Intel and AMD on crucial industry standards, including PCI, PCIe, ACPI, and USB—key technologies that have significantly shaped modern computing.
As they embark on this latest effort, Intel and AMD are betting that a more streamlined and consistent x86 ecosystem will enable the platform to thrive amidst the intensifying competition from ARM. By aligning industry giants under a shared vision, the advisory group’s collaborative approach may well be the key to ensuring that x86 remains a powerful and innovative force in the years to come.
