AWS cannot control the software it runs, but it can still benefit from having its own CPU by reducing power consumption and thus increasing capacity of its data centers. And maybe that also introduces a new form of customer lock-in.
The large, incumbent chip companies are all choosing to embrace the trend of Roll-Your-Own chips by offering support services to non-chip companies’ efforts. Done well this may end up driving those customers to buy more catalog parts. Hopefully.
AMD is a good proxy for the rest of the semis industry – beset by cyclical challenges but also increasingly well-positioned for the changing shape of the industry.
There seems to be some momentum for Arm to sell itself to some sort of consortium of major licensees. In theory, this could be a good outcome, but in practice would be very complex.
Global Foundries IPO!!! – While GF’s financials make for some tough reading (negative gross margins?!?), they are generating cash and are definitely doing something right to attract $19 billion of customer commitments.
Intel 2.0’s Customer Dilemma – If Intel can sort out its manufacturing process, if it can find the funds it needs, if it can build up a true customer service capability, and if can do all this in under three years, then IFS may be viable.
Heterogeneous Compute – The competitive dynamics of the processor markets were static for years, but the demand for “AI” and the emergence of new customers/competitors means the market for all processors is likely to shift considerably in coming years.
CNBC reported late last week that Qualcomm has objected to Nvidia’s proposed acquisition of Semis IP licensor Arm. According to this somewhat thinly sourced report, the US FTC regulators have […]
Lies, Damned Lies, and Benchmarks – a string of benchmarks and leaks highlights the growing urgency phone makers have in closing the silicon gap with Apple, and Qualcomm’s surprising stumbles in the market.
Where will Apple take Silicon next? – Apple is looking to build its own GPUs next, and that will give them a clever way to boost PC margins.