At Microsoft’s Build 2024 event this week, Microsoft and Qualcomm announced new Surface PCs with Microsoft’s AI Copilot technology running inside a PC based on Qualcomm’s Arm-based processor.
The combination of this announcement creates a significant shift in how the PC market plays out and the impact to both providers in the space and the enterprise customers who use their products.
From a business, and ultimately customer standpoint, here’s how I see it playing out.
Costs Reductions. Through lower-cost alternatives, ARM-based processors will drive tectonic shifts in the processor marketplace by shifting the price/ performance balance and create additional competition for incumbents.
Functionality Increases. Taking a page from Apple’s playbook, connecting CPU, GPU, NPU closer to software opens the door for new functionality and experiences over general-purpose alternatives.
Compatibility Concerns Decrease. The x86 architecture has maintained a strong lead mainly due to compatibility. Arm, AMD, Apple, NVIDIA and Qualcomm are changing the game and proving this is a non-issue. By marrying hardware and software and removing the compatibility concerns it creates strong headwinds for x86 and Intel.
For enterprise customers, this changes the playing field and opens the door to several significant changes including:
Shorter Refresh Cycles. With costs coming down, it will drive shorter refresh cycles which means an acceleration of getting new technology into the hands of customers and ultimately end-users. This should benefit companies like Dell, HP and Lenovo.
Increase in e-waste. On the downside, there is an inverse relationship between cycle time and e-waste. Hence how it plays a role into sustainability, carbon footprint and the circular economy.
Overall, the partnership between Microsoft and Qualcomm opens the door to new platforms, capabilities and experiences while driving costs down. CIOs will need to take note and plan accordingly.
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