Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[blauboad]

From the K9 article someone already posted (thanks):

Separately, in a keynote speech at the conference, Weber sketched out a future of computing in which most computers, handhelds, cell phones and other devices will rely on processors based on the so-called x86 architecture. The overall x86 architecture is at the heart of chips made by Intel, AMD and a few other small companies, with K8, K9 and Intel's NetBurst architectures being x86 derivatives.

The reason for x86's rise, he said, comes down to history. Most software is written for chips based on the x86 architecture, which is also the oldest microprocessor architecture. There is also a great diversity of x86 chips.

"The time is right for x86 processors in all form factors," Weber asserted. "Because of its dominance on the desktop, it has grown to have the vast majority of software."
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103_2-5091845.html

Somebody here mentioned that they thought Alchemy might be eliminated. It sounded strange given that they've just announced a reference platform, but it seems like there might be something to it. Though I think x86 moving up the chain into high-end systems is the way of the future, I am skeptical about moving down.

I know Combjelly and maybe others here work on embedded stuff, any thoughts?