Intel and AMD have formed an "x86 Advisory Group" - along with computer and software manufacturers

In an unexpected collaboration, Intel and AMD have established the "x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group," which includes CEOs from various related companies.

The purpose of this advisory group is to unite industry leaders to shape the future of x86 and foster innovation through a more unified set of instructions and interfaces. The initiative aims to enhance compatibility, predictability, and consistency in x86 product offerings. To achieve this, the group will invite participation from the x86 hardware and software community, encompassing all areas, including data centers, cloud infrastructure, client systems, peripheral devices, and embedded systems. Ultimately, this should "provide clients with advantages for future development."

"We stand on the brink of the most significant changes in the x86 architecture and ecosystem in decades—with new levels of customization, compatibility, and scalability required to meet current and future customer needs. We proudly support AMD and the founding members of this advisory group as we shape the future of computing, and we are deeply grateful for the backing of many industry leaders," says Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel.

"The formation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group will ensure the ongoing evolution of the x86 architecture as the computing platform of choice for both developers and clients. We are excited to unite the industry to define the future direction of architectural enhancements and continue the incredible success of x86 for decades to come," notes Lisa Su, Chair of AMD.

Expected outcomes of the group's activities:

• Expanding choices for clients and enhancing compatibility between hardware and software, improving the usability of new modern features.
• Simplifying architectural principles to enhance software consistency and standardize interfaces in Intel's x86 products and AMD.
• Ensuring greater and more efficient integration of new capabilities into operating systems, frameworks, and applications.

Among the founders of the "Advisory Group" are the heads of Broadcom, Dell, Google Cloud, Hewlett Packard, Lenovo, Microsoft, Oracle, Red Hat, as well as Tim Sweeney from Epic Games and Linux founder Linus Torvalds.

Sources: Intel, AMD