Barry - Re: "BTW, who is ARM and what exactly is the ARM liscence?"
ARM is short for Advanced RISC Machines. This is a British firm that developed a small, compact RISC architecture (CORE) that they license out to semiconductor manufacturers/partners.
The ARM concept was to produce a very small die size, that runs at very low power at moderate speeds.
Apple Computer chose the ARM as the basis for its Newton line of PDA's, starting with the ARM 610, in 1993/94.
Apple contiunes to use newer ARM devices in their Newton line.
VLSI is an ARM licensee (as is DEC) and I think made the 610 for Apple.
Re: "..is Intel locked into only utilizing it's own technology? I ask this question cognizant of Intel's many equity investments in other companies, like AVID, RSYS and RMBS."
Intel FOCUSES on its intrenally developed technology. That intense focus has allowed them to take a commonly perceived "Crippled" architecture, the x86, and develop it so that is nearly as powerful as the BEST of any competing architecture.
That FOCUS has allowed them to increase performance while maintaining their TREMENDOUS advantage with an existing software base. That monolithic x86 software base is Intel's past, present and future.
The STRONGARM will represent an opportunity to expand into new areas or it may present an opportunity for Intel to place undue effort and resources into a limited marketplace.
My opinion is that this StrongARM. if pursued like DEC was doing it, will be a DIVERSION from Intel's very focused vision - x86 everywhere.
Remember - Intel already has a successful RISC processor family - the i960 - that they developed internally. It is widely used in printers, RAID controllers, routers, switches, etc.
Adding a brand new architecture will dilute the i960 focus. And quite frankly, Intel is recognizing that the development community loves the software/hardware tools for x86 embedded development - so the old x86 orphan chips, if cost reduced with new process technology, present a good opportunity in the embedded processor market with minimal additional engineering investment required.
Paul |
