Paul,
TWO 64 bit architectures (ITanium and Alpha) - ignores a third 64 bit architecture - AMD's SludgeHumper.
Everybody seems to have an idea of what a 64 bit architecture should be like. e.g. IBM, SUN, ALPHA, IA64, etc. In order to appreciate they need to understand what problem these cpu designers are trying to solve. Or what does it take for these CPU's to deliver the goods of improved performance over the conventional IA32 architecture. Is it tpmc,specFP, specInt or something else? Another interesting question would be to ask what kind of computing changes are dictated upon us by internet? We could very well see the computing market very fragmented (segmented) to address individualized needs (e.g. workstation, db servers, front end web servers, etc).
The success or failure of each of these architectures will be dictated by the volume shipment of the respective processors, how deep the pockets of the potential customers, etc.
It will be interesting to see if some of them will overlap into the others market segment in the future. I am sure this will be attempted by OEMs, CPU manufacturers and others.
Mula |
