The secret plan AMD would NOT like you to know

In the beginning, everything was separate. Processors, Coprocessors, Video, Sound, Chipsets, Network, Input/Output ports were all on separate boards and cards. There was a profusion of manufacturers and variety was the norm of the day. Weitek, Number 9, Adlib and Hercules were the names that were popular amongst the enthusiasts.

Then slowly, convergence occurred. Processors merged with Coprocessors, Sound, Network and IO ports went on the motherboard. Chipsets and Video cards were next, giving birth to the infamous integrated chipsets.

This evolution did not go without pain. Hundreds of companies have disappeared in the wake of this shift even if they pioneered disruptive technology. Think about 3DFx, Hayes or Adlib.

Canadian-based ATI just joined them, after being swallowed by Chip maker AMD. Now I am uneasy with the whole big-name merger thing. The last time it happened, some people badly got burnt.

HP “merged” with Compaq in 2001 which, in turn purchased Tandem Computers and Digital Equipment Corporation a few years earlier and the entire acquisition process was marred by numerous management problems. This ended in Tandem, DEC and Compaq unique selling features and strength being almost entirely diluted in the larger HP Corporation.