Date: 22nd Dec 2010

Microsoft OS support for ARM's processor IP; business ripples for computer and phone industry

Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg have reported, software-joint Microsoft plans to release its OS software supporting processor chips designed by ARM Holdings PLC, a company whose processor core designs almost found in more than 90% mobile phones, either in main processor or supporting semiconductor chip. Compared to Intel's domination in PC, server and notebook space, ARM dominates the mobile space with a far higher share.

But all these years what kept ARM away from PC and Server area is lack of Windows software support from world's biggest software vendor Microsoft.
With this news of Microsoft deciding to support ARM's processor core, ARM will get the strength, which is very difficult to compare to any other company in the semiconductor industry at present. The companies, which relay on X86 only will have negative ripples running through their businesses forcing them to change the strategies. But for the companies who are ready with both x86 as well as ARM designs their effort will be rewarded.

The lesson for semiconductor chips designers and equipment OEMs is not to fully depend on single architecture, even ARM might get a strong competitor in future, may be in the name of MIPS or someone like that.

However it's clear, the decision of Microsoft to Support ARM is a major change in the electronics industry, mainly the tablet, PC and mobile phone market, whose effect will run through all over 2011 and spill over to 2012.