The group will focus on identifying new ways to expand the x86 ecosystem by enabling compatibility across platforms, simplifying software development, and providing developers with a platform to identify architectural needs and features to create innovative and scalable solutions for the future.
Intel invented the x86 computing architecture over 40 years ago and AMD licenses the technology from Intel and also makes chips using x86.
According to both companies the evolving landscape, which is characterised by dynamic AI workloads, custom chiplets, and advancements in 3D packaging and system architectures, means that there’s a need for a more robust and expanding x86 ecosystem.
“We are on the cusp of one of the most significant shifts in the x86 architecture and ecosystem in decades – with new levels of customisation, compatibility and scalability needed to meet current and future customer needs,” said Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO.
The decision to set up the advisory group is also a response to the fact that both companies have lost market share to Arm, which licenses a competing architecture for computing which is used by the likes of Apple, Alphabet, Amazon and Qualcomm. Arm's success can be attributed to the fact that all Arm chips are able to run all Arm software, regardless of who makes the chip.
By contrast, while Intel and AMD use the same underlying x86 technology in their chips, often the software needs to be ‘tweaked’ so as to work across their offerings
“Establishing the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group will ensure that the x86 architecture continues evolving,” said Lisa Su, AMD Chair and CEO. “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 aims to bring industry leaders together so as to better shape the future of x86 and foster a more unified set of instructions and architectural interfaces.
This initiative aims to enhance compatibility, predictability and consistency across x86 product offerings and to achieve this, the group will seek technical input from the x86 hardware and software communities on essential functions and features.
Collaboration will facilitate the creation of consistent and compatible implementations of key x86 architectural features and programming models, extending across all sectors ultimately delivering downstream benefits to customers.
The intended outcomes include:
- Enhancing customer choice and compatibility across hardware and software, while accelerating their ability to benefit from new, cutting-edge features.
- Simplifying architectural guidelines to enhance software consistency and standardize interfaces across x86 product offerings from Intel and AMD.
- Enabling greater and more efficient integration of new capabilities into operating systems, frameworks and applications.
