Intel and AMD Establish Advisory Board to Boost x86 Innovation

Intel and AMD have come together to create an advisory board aimed at enhancing innovation within the x86 ecosystem. This step is particularly timely, given the increasing competition from alternative computing platforms like Arm and the emerging RISC-V architecture.

The x86 architecture has been the backbone of modern computing for over forty years, being the go-to choice for data centers and personal computers around the globe. With the rapid development of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), customized chip designs, and advancements in packaging and system architectures, a strong and evolving x86 ecosystem has become more essential than ever.

This newly formed advisory group includes prominent companies such as Broadcom, Dell, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HP, Lenovo, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat. Notable individuals such as Linux founder Linus Torvalds and Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney are also part of this initiative.

Pat Gelsinger, Intel’s CEO, remarked, “We are on the cusp of one of the most significant shifts in the x86 architecture and ecosystem in decades – with new levels of customization, compatibility, and scalability needed to meet current and future customer needs. We proudly stand together with AMD and the founding members of this advisory group as we ignite the future of compute, and we deeply appreciate the support of so many industry leaders.”

Likewise, Lisa Su, AMD’s Chair and CEO, stated, “Establishing the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group will ensure that the x86 architecture continues evolving as the compute platform of choice for both developers and customers. We are excited to bring the industry together to provide direction on future architectural enhancements and extend the incredible success of x86 for decades to come.”

The advisory group's mission includes unifying instruction sets and architectural interfaces to boost compatibility across x86 platforms. Their specific objectives are:

• Enhancing customer choice and compatibility in both hardware and software, while speeding up the availability of cutting-edge features.
• Simplifying architectural guidelines to improve software consistency and to standardize interfaces in x86 products from both Intel and AMD.
• Facilitating the efficient integration of new capabilities into operating systems, frameworks, and applications.

The members of the group emphasized the benefits of cooperation between Intel and AMD, even as they remain competitors. Throughout their history, both companies have often worked together on major initiatives aimed at platform enhancements, establishing industry standards, and tackling security vulnerabilities within the x86 ecosystem. Their collaborative efforts have been crucial in shaping essential technologies such as PCI, PCIe, and the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). These two companies have also played a key role in developing USB, an essential connectivity standard for devices across the computing landscape. This advisory group is set to elevate their cooperative efforts for the greater benefit of the entire computing community and act as a catalyst for forthcoming product innovations.

Intel, AMD, innovation