AMD: Intel Missed the Boat?

Could it be that Intel did not see the microserver trend coming?

There isn't a hotter trend in server evolution today than an industry that is considering low-power processors based on ARM and Intel Atom processors for the ultra-dense segment. However, even if Intel has responded with processors code-named Centerton, industry pioneer Seamicro alleges that Intel did not see the opportunity when it unfolded.

In an interview with the Inquirer, Seamicro CEO Andrew Feldman said that Intel told him that Atom servers cannot be built. The executive hinted that he chose Atom as ARM chips are not quite suited to be used in servers. He told the Inquirer:

"I'm a believer that ARM parts will have a huge impact in the server world. I actually have tested the ones available today and they don't quite get there, [but] that doesn't mean they won't, I think they will, for sure they will. And the volumes on them will drive the prices down and the business models around hundreds of licensees will drive their prices down and they will give existing vendors a run for their money."

The note is interesting in the view of Seamicro being a part of AMD. It does not take much to predict that Seamicro will shed Intel processors when it can and potentially turn into a storefront for AMD-based processors. Feldman criticized the lack of innovation in the processor market and seemed very optimistic about the opportunity for ARM processors. The statements may fuel another round of rumors that AMD could be adopting ARM chip technology in its products some time in the future.

Click here to go Back to the ToC

Wolfgang Gruener is a contributor to Tom's IT Pro. He is currently principal analyst at Ndicio Research, a market analysis firm that focuses on cloud computing and disruptive technologies, and maintains the conceivablytech.com blog. An 18-year veteran in IT journalism and market research, he previously published TG Daily and was managing editor of Tom's Hardware news, which he grew from a link collection in the early 2000s into one of the most comprehensive and trusted technology news sources.

See here for all of Wolfgang's Tom's IT Pro articles.

Some Recent IT Videos

• VIDEO: Big Data, Big Hardware, Big Software

As data grows so must the hardware, software and access tools to give it meaning.

• VIDEO: Quick Look - Intel S2600CP Motherboard

A 3D fly-through of Intel's S2600CP 

• VIDEO: Quick Look - Intel S2600IP Motherboard

A 3D fly-through of Intel's S2600IP motherboard.

• VIDEO: Data Center Convergence

Everything you need to know about the new data center.