Intel and AMD will join forces in a new initiative to support the development of x86 architecture

Times change and equipment is constantly evolving. While a few years ago we associated desktops and laptops exclusively with the x86 or x86-64 architecture used by Intel and AMD, Apple with its M series processors or Qualcomm with its Snapdragon have conquered the market in a big way. Both products are based on the ARM architecture, which we are mostly familiar with from mobile phones.

It’s starting to show that ARM could become a serious x86 competitor, especially from an efficiency standpoint, so Intel and AMD have decided to respond. Not separately, but, unusually for these age-old rivals, together.

On Tuesday, the two companies announced the creation of an advisory body that will focus on the entire x86 ecosystem. According to the press release, the result should be an expansion of customer capabilities in the field of hardware and software while maintaining compatibility between systems. One of the goals is also to simplify the architecture and standardize the interfaces of products using x86, or provide broader and more effective integration with new operating systems, platforms and applications.

In addition to Intel and AMD, other technology companies will also participate in the project, namely Broadcom, Dell, Google (respectively its cloud division), Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, Oracle and Red Hat, as well as in the role of experts – the head Epic Tim Sweeney and Linux kernel creator Linus Torvalds.

“We are on the cusp of one of the most significant changes to the x86 architecture and ecosystem in decades, driven by the need for new levels of customization, compatibility and scalability to meet current and future customer needs.” comments on a statement by Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger. “We are pioneering the future of computing, and we are proud to support AMD and the founding members of this advisory group, appreciating the support of so many industry leaders.”

“The creation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group will ensure the continued development of the x86 architecture as the platform of choice for developers and customers,” adds AMD CEO Lisa Su. “We’re excited to bring the industry together to drive future architectural improvements and extend the tremendous success of x86 for decades to come.”