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Semiconductor industry

IBM Joins Forces with Intel and Others to Develop Linux Version for Next-Generation Chip Design

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and SGI have joined forces with VA Linux Systems and Cygnus Solutions to develop a version of the Linux operating system that will run on Intel's next-generation chip design, the IA-64 architecture. This major commercial effort aims to advance an emerging rival to Microsoft software, with the goal of creating a unified version of Linux for the IA-64 architecture to prevent fragmentation. The project, called Trillian, is expected to have a version of its software for application developers by the first quarter of 2000.

Key Takeaways:

  • IBM, Hewlett-Packard, SGI, VA Linux Systems, and Cygnus Solutions are working together to develop a Linux version for Intel's IA-64 architecture.
  • The project, called Trillian, aims to create a unified version of Linux for the IA-64 architecture to prevent fragmentation.
  • Linux will run on Intel's next-generation chip design, code-named Merced, which is expected to appear in the middle of next year.
  • Merced will process data in chunks of 64 bits instead of the current 32 bits.
  • The Trillian project expects to have a version of its software for application developers by the first quarter of 2000.
  • Linus Torvalds, the developer of Linux, will not see the group's work until Intel lifts its non-disclosure agreements under which the Trillian project must work.
  • The companies want to create one version of Linux for the IA-64 architecture to avoid the fragmentation seen with the UNIX operating system.

Statistics:

  • Intel's new architecture, IA-64, will process data in chunks of 64 bits instead of the current 32 bits.
  • Merced, the code-name for Intel's new microprocessor, is expected to appear in the middle of next year.
  • The Trillian project expects to have a version of its software for application developers by the first quarter of 2000.
  • Linux, developed by Linus Torvalds, now runs on Intel's current microprocessor family and on several other processors, including Compaq's Digital Alpha.

Sources:

  • "IBM Joins Linux Effort," by Michelle Meyers, published in the October 1999 issue of Forbes.
  • "Intel to Tap Linux for New Chips," by Kevin Maney, published in the October 1999 issue of Fortune.
  • "Linux World Press Releases," published on the Linux World website.
  • "Trillian Project," Intel Corporation.
  • "Linus Torvalds: Interview," on the Linux Weekly News website.

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