IBM created competition for Intel right from the begening.

When IBM launched its first PCs, it forced Intel to disclose the design specifications and allow other companies to make the same or similar chip. That was an IBM policy at that time to only such use hardware or spares that were made by more than one vendor. Since IBM was the market leader and since PCs couldnt get into business and corporate environment without IBM support, Intel was forced to agree.

That is how AMD and Cyrix started operations 20 years ago.

Later, as the hardware business consolidated and number of players, facilities and margins reduced, IBM was forced to abandon the policy. Also by that time, IBM no longer controled the Computer Market.

However, in 1990s, IBM teamed up with Motorola to create the POWERPC chip which was used in IBM and Apple machines. Remeber that IBM has its own chip fab plants, that together are probably much larger then the facilities that Intel has. IBM isnt very found of Wintel, but is forced to use their products in order to cater to the PC market. They would love to have someone thrash Intel.

Regards Saswata

----- Original Message ----- From: "Amol Hatwar" rollacosta@phreaker.net To: "GNU/Linux Users Group, Mumbai, India" linuxers@mm.ilug-bom.org.in Cc: fsf-friends@mm.fsf.org.in Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2003 12:27 AM Subject: [ILUG-BOM] Of Intel, AMD, Apple and IBM

GLUG Meeting on 13th July, 4pm at KReSIT, IIT Campus, Powai.

Hi,

I wonder if anyone has been noticing this lately...

Apple recently announced the new G5 as the fastest PC in the industry. AMD has done some Intel creaming too. But very few know what's common between them. It's IBM.

PowerPC chips that run on Macs are developed at IBM. How's AMD connected then? AMD's design team runs from an IBM chip design facility. Seems that IBM will help AMD and Apple develop the newer 64 bit platforms. Ahem...

the

new G5 is 64 bit (P4 is 32 bit).

First, maybe AMD wants to sell itself. Second, maybe IBM wants to make

sure

that Intel has some competition.

Whatever may be the going-ons but I think IBM is trying to do something major here... Any insights anyone?

Regards,

ah

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