I didn't mean to imply 'bailing AMD out' by outright buying them. But I meant, bailing AMD out by goig out of their way to make them successful. Like MSFT optimising the software, to make AMD processors outshine Intels, IBM with their process tech (like you mentioned) and Dell staying out of segments/geographies where AMD OEMs are doing better.
This is business... not a charity ward. Why would MSFT expend resources to make a company who’s products occupy a minority share of the consumer market, and an almost nonexistent share of the business market “shine”? Besides, to optimize software so heavily for AMD would require MSFT to completely ditch Intel as a partner (and INTC and MSFT work together frequently, though not always seamlessly), and such optimization would take time that AMD doesn’t have.
Dell is working to take market share from everyone in the world. I don’t see them holding back just to keep AMD in the game, because that would mean leaving the door open to HP, Gateway, and the rest.
Finally, it doesn’t solve the basic problem of AMD’s inability to get competitive chips to market. You can put on a bunch of molded body panels, fat window wipers, and a big loud exhaust pipe on a Honda Civic you want, but it’s still not going to outrun a Porsche. |
