The future of microprocessors

years ahead to 2006. Tn my role as head of Intel’s micro1 pro&or products, I am often asked to paint a picture of the microprocessor of the future. Even if our newest processor has just hit the streets and has not even come close to full use, people naturally crave information about where they’re going rather than where they’ve been. My colleagues and I have been trying for about 10 years now to identify trends about the microprocessor of the future. While these are based on a wide variety of unknown factors inherent in developing new technology, for the most part, we have been close to the mark. However, before making statements about microprocessor trends 10 years out-Micro 2006-it might be useful to revisit our past statements’J about the microprocessor of today and tge microprocessor of 2000. Then we can see where we have been right and where wrong. This retrospective will reveal important trends that promise to give some insight into the microprocessor of the next decade.