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For six years, the Internet Nexus served as my technology blog, but I've since started blogging at the SuperSite Blog instead. If you're looking for the blog, please head there. --Paul

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Apple Risks It with Intel

In a classy move, Peter Glaskowsky admits he was wrong about Apple and Intel and discusses what it all means:

Recently, I described rumors that Apple would switch from PowerPC to x86 microprocessors as "a bunch of bull."

OK, I was wrong. I apologize to Don Clark and Nick Wingfield of the Wall Street Journal, David Utter of WebProNews, Paul Thurrott of winsupersite.com, and all the other journalists I called "dupes" for going along with what I thought was a tired, old, often-recycled rumor.

I believe Apple is switching because Steve Jobs has his eye on the big prize—a substantial share of the personal computer marketplace.

In fact, I believe Steve Jobs has been working toward this goal since he returned to Apple in 1997.

I think the keys to Apple's success now lie in the "platformization" strategy of Intel's new CEO, Paul Otellini.

Apple will show Intel how to make software-friendly hardware, and Intel will put its unmatched manufacturing muscle into Apple's service.

This is an interesting point. Intel did brief me about its "platformization" strategy (what they call "the third Intel") a few weeks back and it does make some sense. The greatest strength of the WinTel platform--choice--is, in some ways, it's greatest weakness as well: Because no one company oversees the development of all of the parts that make up a WinTel machine, it's hard to arrive at a cohesive platform That Just Works. Intel aims to take control of that platform, as perhaps they should. That Apple could help them get there makes sense. No company has a better handle on the "platform"--i.e. the synthesis of hardware and software--than Apple. Interesting times, indeed.

[ Posted at 10:22 AM | Permalink ]