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We are stuck with X86 for another 20 years
Good topic but unfortuneately, I see we are stuck with the legacy burdened X86 for another 20 years - no thanks to AMD.

Itanium was grounds up architected using modern VLIW techniques for next generation 64bit computing. It had emulation capability to run legacy X86 'crApps' and new software in native ISA. Unfortuneately, AMD was backed into a wall without a modern design so it did the next best thing - strap another 32 bits to X86 and the rest is history. Because the market is slow to adopt new software it went the path of least resistance - X86.

So there you have it, X86 for another 20 years for the mainstream and Itanium for true super computers. I do believe, however, that Itanium will reach the mainstream when it performs 10X over X86 and emulation for the old the X86 apps is sufficient. Until that time comes, watch the hourglass.
Posted by: Prognosticator   Posted on: 03/10/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use
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Intel's uncertain processor road-map (or the lack of a road...)  michael-t | 03/08/05
IBM has the advantage here  nucrash | 03/08/05
Intel's problem is  michael-t | 03/08/05
Just Talk  mabricen | 03/09/05
He he he ...  michael-t | 03/09/05
I think Intel would even disagree with your post.  bjbrock | 03/08/05
Very well put.  The King's Servant | 03/08/05
Intel overlooked  michael-t | 03/08/05
Itanium vs. Alpha, not x86  Filker0_z | 03/08/05
Opinion noted  Roger Ramjet | 03/09/05
Back to be Basics?  nucrash | 03/09/05
Cell out  Roger Ramjet | 03/09/05
Itanium Headed for Museum...  Neutrodyne | 03/08/05
I doubt it.  Roger Ramjet | 03/09/05
Wishful thinking on Intel's part  balsover | 03/08/05
Misconception  Roger Ramjet | 03/09/05
Definite shift in the party line  John L. Ries | 03/08/05
Itanium for "Big Iron"?  mwagner@... | 03/08/05
Always room  Roger Ramjet | 03/09/05
Topic of interest: Should we stick with x86?  CobraA1 | 03/09/05
Sticking  Roger Ramjet | 03/09/05
Why Not Emulation  nucrash | 03/09/05
No emulation  Roger Ramjet | 03/09/05
excuse me?  doh123 | 03/09/05
No, really - according to Intel  fmcgowan | 03/09/05
it has some hardware to help, yes, but  doh123 | 03/09/05
We are stuck with X86 for another 20 years  Prognosticator | 03/10/05
Wishful Thinking  kelkins@... | 03/09/05
Itanic WILL win in the end  Roger Ramjet | 03/09/05
A couple of points  fmcgowan | 03/09/05
Points taken  Roger Ramjet | 03/09/05
Good to hear back so soon...  fmcgowan | 03/09/05
True, as there is nothing to really encroach on is there?  PaddyOmaddy | 03/09/05
The wild cats in my backyard won't disturb the unicorns..  Xunil_Sierutuf | 03/09/05
Its about market acceptance...  GeiselS@... | 03/09/05
Wait for Itanium? IBM PowerPC G5 is ready right now.  billmichael | 03/13/05

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